Greenville County Schools Closed as Hurricane Helene Causes Safety Concerns

Closed school sign against stormy weather backdrop.

Greenville County Schools to Remain Closed Due to Hurricane Helene

Greenville, S.C. – As the effects of Hurricane Helene ripple through the area, local school districts are announcing changes to their schedules for Monday. Greenville County Schools will remain closed, while Pickens County Schools plan to resume normal operations.

Assessment Team Works to Evaluate Conditions

On Friday, hundreds of members from the Greenville County Schools assessment team traveled over 9,000 miles throughout the county to evaluate the situation. Their findings were alarming, with more than 1,500 issues documented that make roads unsafe for travel. These issues include downed power lines, debris blocking roads, closed bridges, traffic signal outages, and even sinkholes.

Due to these conditions, the district has decided there will be no eLearning on Monday and all previously scheduled activities and field trips have been cancelled. The decision was made in the interest of safety for both students and staff.

Teacher Connectivity Issues

Compounding the problem, it was reported that more than half of the teachers in Greenville County do not have reliable access to the internet. This lack of connectivity has further influenced the district’s decision to keep schools closed on Monday.

Pickens County Schools Prepare for Reopening

In contrast, Pickens County Schools have indicated they will operate normally on Monday. However, to ensure safety, the transportation staff will avoid routes that are deemed impassable. A list detailing these routes will be made available to the public, offering transparency regarding which roads remain affected by the storm.

Upcoming Announcements

The Greenville County Schools district is expected to announce on Monday afternoon whether or not students will return to class on Tuesday. Parents and students are advised to stay tuned for updates regarding this decision, as conditions are still evolving.

Impacts of Hurricane Helene

The ongoing impact of Hurricane Helene has not only affected schools but has also led to widespread disruptions across communities in the Upstate. Residents are encouraged to exercise caution, stay informed, and prioritize safety as recovery efforts begin.

Conclusion

As local school districts respond to the challenges posed by Hurricane Helene, the focus remains on safety and well-being for students and staff alike. Both Greenville and Pickens County Schools are working diligently to assess the situation and return to normal operations as soon as safely possible.