First day of classes may be postponed at many Midlands schools due to Tropical Storm Debby

The first day of classes are scheduled for this week in most Columbia-area school districts. But plans could be changed as school officials monitor the weather forecast as Tropical Storm Debby heads toward South Carolina.

All of the school districts in Richland and Lexington counties said no decisions have been made about whether to postpone classes and close schools because of the powerful storm that was a hurricane when it made landfall in Florida on Monday morning.

“We’re excited to start the school year, just like you. But safety comes first,” Lexington 1 officials said in a message sent to parents and employees.

All of the districts said they were keeping a close watch on the forecast, with most adding they are in touch with both weather and emergency officials as they make a decision.

As of Monday afternoon, cancellations have been made in Lexington 4, the Sumter School District as well as Orangeburg County School District, where Monday was the first day of classes.

“Due to the intensity of the storm and expected 10-20 inches of rain, we will not have school on Tuesday ... and Wednesday,” Orangeburg County officials said in a news release. “We anticipate that a significant number of roads will be impassable during this time, primarily in the eastern portion of our school district. Students and staff are not to report to any OCSD buildings, which will remain closed for these days.”

Additionally, all Orangeburg County afterschool programs and athletic events will be canceled until schools resume normal schedule or until further notice.

It won’t be a total loss for Orangeburg County students, as both Tuesday and Wednesday have been shifted into e-learning days, according to officials.

Aug. 1 was the first day of classes for the Sumter School District, which decided to close schools Tuesday and Wednesday and shift them to e-learning days. All activities, including athletic events and field trips, are canceled.

Here’s a look at when the first day of classes are scheduled at other are schools and what officials in those districts are saying:

Lexington 1

First day of class: Wednesday

What they’re saying: If the start of the school year is postponed, e-learning won’t be an option on the first day of school. ... Please plan for a potential postponement, though no decision has been made yet. We plan to make a decision by noon on Tuesday.

Lexington 2

First day of class: Wednesday

What they’re saying: At this time, no decision has been made about the need to postpone ... though we are preparing for that scenario. ... If the district does postpone the first day of school, an e-learning day will not be an option.

Lexington 3

First day of class: July 30

What they’re saying: Any decisions that will be made will be shared on the district’s social media pages.

Lexington 4

First day of class: Tuesday

What they’re saying: After consultation with emergency management and the National Weather Service Lexington Four will not begin school as planned ... and will adjust the district academic calendar to reflect a new start date. Any days missed will be scheduled as e-learning days later in the year. All other activities are also canceled for Tuesday.

Lexington-Richland 5

First day of class: Thursday

What they’re saying: The district is closely monitoring the path and possible impacts of Tropical Storm Debby. At this time, there are no changes to the school schedule. We are continuously in contact with emergency preparedness officials and other agencies.

Richland 1

First day of class: Thursday

What they’re saying: District officials are closely monitoring weather forecasts. If the decision is made to change plans for school Thursday, we will notify parents as soon as that decision is made.

Richland 2

First day of class: Wednesday

What they’re saying: N/A

Kershaw County

First day of class: Aug. 1

What they’re saying: We are closely monitoring the path of Hurricane Debby. At this time, there are no changes to the school schedule.

This story was originally published August 5, 2024 at 1:33 PM.

Noah Feit

The State

803-771-8435

Noah Feit is a Real Time reporter with The State focused on breaking news, public safety and trending news. The award-winning journalist has worked for multiple newspapers since starting his career in 1999. Support my work with a digital subscription