Several Midlands school districts cancel or delay Monday classes because of weather
Several Midlands school districts have delayed or canceled classes on Monday because of the threat of severe weather.
Officials with Lexington School Districts 1 and 2 and Lexington-Richland District 5 have canceled classes or switched to virtual classes online. The districts cited the hazard strong winds pose to school buses.
Richland District 1 says classes will begin two hours late. Richland 1 said staff should also report to the district’s schools two hours later than their normal start times.
Lexington District 2 canceled school Monday because of continued inclement weather and power outages. Lexington 2 previously planned to start on a two-hour delay before calling off classes and canceling all after-school practices or activities.
Lexington District 1 made a similar move, saying Monday is shifting to an e-learning day because the severe weather is staying around longer than expected. Additionally, all after school activities are canceled.
A similar decision was made by Lexington-Richland 5 at about 8:30 a.m.
“The National Weather Service is forecasting wind gusts up to 50 mph until 11 a.m. today. Pursuant to State Guidelines, School District Five cannot operate school buses when wind gusts meet or exceed 40 mph. As a result, Lexington-Richland School District Five will transition to an e-learning day,” district officials said.
Time will be allowed for students who don’t have power to complete assignments, and L-R 5 is planning a return to normal operations on Tuesday.
Lexington District 1 is in the central part of the county and includes Lexington, White Knoll, Gilbert, Pelion and River Bluff high schools. Lexington 2 is in the Cayce-West Columbia area and includes Brookland-Cayce and Airport high schools.
Lexington-Richland 5 is in the Irmo-Chapin area and includes Irmo, Chapin, Dutch Fork and Spring Hill high schools. L-R 5 will also have a two hour delay for its FIVE-Flexible Innovative Virtual Education Program.
The National Weather Service has said that severe thunderstorms with strong wind gusts and tornadoes are possible.
A wind advisory is in effect for the Columbia area until 11 a.m., according to the National Weather Service. The forecast says to expect strong southwest to westerly winds of 20 to 30 mph, with gusts around 50 mph.
Tuesday was previously set as the first day of classes at Lexington District 4 schools, while students are not scheduled to return to Lexington District 3 classrooms until Wednesday.
Both Clarendon District 2 and Clarendon District 4 canceled school and closed the district offices Monday because of the threat of inclement weather and unsafe road conditions.
The Sumter School District said it’s operating on a two-hour delay for most of its schools, but the following have been closed Monday: Rafting Creek Elementary, R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy, Shaw Heights Elementary, Lemira Elementary, Pocalla Springs Elementary, and the PERK program at Alice Drive Elementary.
Richland District 2 said it will operate on its normal schedule, and that buses were cleared to start routes at the normal times.
“Transportation Hubs are monitoring conditions and staying in contact with drivers. Drivers are trained to take necessary precautions should conditions worsen,” Richland 2 officials said.
This is a developing story, check back to see if there are any additional changes to the start of the school day, or if any other area school districts adjust their schedules.
This story was originally published January 2, 2022 at 8:36 PM.
