Greenville, S.C. Schools Face Extended Closures After Hurricane Helene’s Devastation

Greenville, S.C. Schools Remain Closed Following Hurricane Helene

In Greenville, South Carolina, the majority of schools in the Upstate remain closed on Monday, October 6, as officials continue to assess the impact of Hurricane Helene. This storm wreaked havoc on the region last Friday, leaving behind extensive damage and safety concerns.

What Happened

The local school district announced on Friday, October 4 that all schools would be closed on Monday and that all activities were canceled. The decision stems from significant safety hazards found across the area, with over 1,500 issues documented, including downed power lines, debris in the roads, and complete road blockages.

Where It Affects

Various school districts within the Upstate area have announced different plans. Districts 1, 3, 4, and 6 will remain closed on Monday, and no e-learning will occur during this time. In contrast, Spartanburg School District 2 will open on Monday for staff only, while students can return on Tuesday, October 7.

Plans for the Upcoming Week

Spartanburg School Districts 5 and 7 will also reopen Monday for staff, operating under a two-hour delay on Tuesday, with normal operations resuming on Wednesday, October 9. The School District of Pickens County has announced that they will resume normal operations on Monday, but their transportation team reported that buses will not operate on impassable roads.

Anderson County and Cherokee Schools

According to Dylan McCullough, the chief communications officer for District 3, all school districts in Anderson County will remain closed, as both Monday and Tuesday had been previously scheduled as student holidays. Normal operations are set to resume on Wednesday, October 9.

On the other hand, Cherokee County Schools will open on Monday only for staff. Further announcements regarding the operations scheduled for Tuesday are expected later in the day.

Current Status of Greenwood County Schools

Greenwood County School District 52 is currently on Fall Break, which began on September 30 and will last until October 11. This pre-scheduled break means that they are unaffected by the storm’s aftermath during this time period.

Conclusion

As the Upstate starts to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, school officials are focused on ensuring the safety of students and staff before making further operational decisions. Updates regarding conditions and additional plans will be provided throughout the week as the situation continues to evolve.