Hurricane Helene Forces School Closures in Upstate South Carolina

Hurricane Helene Forces School Closures in Upstate South Carolina

Greenville, S.C. – In light of the impacts from Hurricane Helene, local school districts are adjusting their operations for Monday, with Greenville County Schools remaining closed. The decision comes after extensive evaluations of local conditions, which revealed dangerous obstacles on many roads.

Assessment and Damage Report

On Friday, Greenville County Schools deployed hundreds of assessment team members who traveled over 9,000 miles across the county. The team identified more than 1,500 hazardous conditions affecting road safety. Issues included downed power lines, debris on the roads, closed bridges, significant sinkholes, and outages of traffic signals. Due to these safety concerns, the district decided to cancel all planned activities, including field trips for Monday. Additionally, there will be no eLearning scheduled for students.

Impact on Students and Teachers

The closure disproportionately affects the district’s educators and students. Reports indicate that more than half of the teachers in Greenville County do not currently have access to reliable internet services, complicating remote learning options. The district has committed to reassessing the situation and is expected to announce on Monday afternoon whether students will return to classes on Tuesday.

Different Choices for Nearby Districts

Contrasting with Greenville County, Pickens County Schools will resume normal operations on Monday. However, the district’s transportation staff have been advised to avoid impassable roads. A specific list of these hazardous routes will be made available to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Looking Ahead

As the aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to unfold, local officials are monitoring conditions closely. Parents and community members are urged to stay informed about school updates and changes to schedules. Safety remains the top priority for both students and educators as schools navigate the challenges presented by severe weather conditions.

Conclusion

With safety alerts still in place across Upstate South Carolina, both students and staff will need to stay vigilant. As Greenville County prepares to make a crucial decision about the return to school, the district emphasizes cooperation and communication within the community to overcome the impacts of Hurricane Helene.