Greenville County Schools Assess Safety for Reopening Amid Hurricane Helene Aftermath

Greenville County Schools Face Challenges in Reopening After Hurricane Helene

Greenville, S.C. – The aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which struck on September 27, has left Greenville County Schools closed, raising concerns about when students can safely return to the classrooms. The school district has been assessing the situation to determine if it is safe to resume classes next week.

Who is Involved?

The task of evaluating the roads and conditions falls to 145 pairs of school district employees. These teams are responsible for surveying the various travel routes that students, families, and faculty might use to get to school. Superintendent Dr. Burke Royster emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety in their evaluations.

What Steps Are Being Taken?

On Friday, these workgroups began their assessments, reviewing the driving conditions and identifying potential hazards. Greenville County Schools operates 106 locations spread over an area of 800 square miles, which means thorough investigation is necessary. By creating a detailed map grid, the district ensures that every road where students live is evaluated.

Why is This Important?

Dr. Royster pointed out a critical factor in the decision-making process: the potential impact on community services. With 78,000 students and 12,000 employees potentially on the roads, their travel could interfere with essential services like energy restoration efforts and emergency response teams. The safety of students and families must be balanced with the community’s need for power restoration and public services.

How are Conditions Being Evaluated?

One of the survey drivers, Dr. Bryan Skipper, explained that their inspections are not solely about bus routes. He noted that around 32,000 students typically ride school buses, while others rely on parents or personal vehicles to reach school. This adds to the complexity of the district’s evaluations.

During their inspections, the teams documented hazards, including debris and downed power lines. They meticulously noted these problems using photographs and specific location markers on their maps. The collected data will be crucial in guiding decisions on school reopenings.

Current Conditions of School Facilities

According to the district officials, the school buildings are primarily in good condition, with only a few facilities lacking power. However, they are optimistic about restoring electricity soon. Safety during transportation remains the pressing concern, as it is essential for students to arrive and return from school without incident.

Looking Ahead

The next steps depend on the results from Friday’s assessments. Depending on what they uncover, the district is prepared to conduct additional evaluations over the weekend if necessary. Dr. Royster assured families that they will be informed promptly about any decisions regarding school reopening.

As the community strives to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, the priority remains clear: ensuring the safety of students and staff should be the guiding factor in the decision-making process for schools in Greenville County.