Schools Remain Closed in Upstate South Carolina Following Hurricane Helene

Schools Remain Closed in Upstate South Carolina Following Hurricane Helene

GREENVILLE, S.C. — The aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to impact educational operations in the Upstate region as most schools remain closed on Monday, October 6. School officials are now evaluating what the rest of the week will look like for students and staff.

Closure Details and Safety Concerns

On Friday, October 4, the school district announced that all schools would be closed on Monday, with all activities cancelled. This decision was made in response to the extensive damage caused by the hurricane, which hit on Friday. A statement from the district revealed that there were over 1,500 reported issues that made it unsafe for transportation. These included downed power lines, debris on the roads, blocked roadways, closed bridges, sinkholes, and traffic signal failures at major intersections.

Officials stated that a reassessment of road conditions would be conducted on Monday afternoon to inform decisions regarding Tuesday, October 8.

Individual School District Responses

Specific districts have announced their plans for Monday and beyond:

• Spartanburg School District 2 will open on Monday for staff only, planning to resume normal operations for all students on Tuesday morning.
• Spartanburg School Districts 5 and 7 will also open for staff, operating on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, with standard operations set to resume on Wednesday, October 9.
• School District of Pickens County will return to normal operations on Monday, but buses will avoid impassable roads as assessed by the transportation staff. A list of these roads is available on their website.
• All Anderson County school districts have opted to stay closed on Monday and Tuesday, which align with already scheduled student holidays. Normal classes will resume on Wednesday.
• Cherokee County Schools will also open on Monday for staff only, with further announcements regarding Tuesday expected later.
• Greenwood County School District 52 is on Fall Break from September 30 until October 11, so they will not be affected at this time.

Community Impact

As the community grapples with the effects of Hurricane Helene, parents and students are left uncertain about the upcoming school week. The impacts of the storm extend beyond just school closures, affecting local infrastructure and daily life in the Upstate. Road conditions remain a concern for many households, with officials urging caution for travel.

By keeping schools closed, officials aim to ensure the safety of students, staff, and community members. Clear communication is essential in keeping families informed about the status of school operations as the region begins to recover from the storm.

Looking Ahead

Updates regarding school schedules will be announced as assessments are completed. Parents are encouraged to stay informed through district communications. The next update on Tuesday’s operations is anticipated post-assessment on Monday. The situation remains fluid, and the community continues to demonstrate resilience in the face of natural adversity.

For now, the schools’ decisions reflect a cautious approach in prioritizing safety while working to re-establish regular operation as soon as safely possible.