Days after landfall, Helene’s aftermath continues to impact schools in the SC Midlands
The aftermath of Hurricane Helene continues to impact South Carolina schools, with some districts in the Midlands further shifting schedules this week.
Richland School District 1 announced that schools will operated on a two-hour delay on Wednesday. Elementary schools will begin classes at 9:30 a.m., middle schools will begin classes at 10:45 a.m. and high schools will begin classes at 10 a.m. Students who take the bus should report to their stops two hours later as well. Staff are expected to report to work at their regularly-scheduled time.
After school programs and activities are expected to proceed as normal, the district said.
“District officials conducted a thorough assessment of our buildings and road conditions in making the determination regarding readiness for reopening,” said Richland 1 spokesperson Ilyssa Weiner. “As we return to normal operations, we know that some of our families may still be facing challenges in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Families that need assistance can reach out to our school social workers through their children’s schools.”
Lexington School District 1, Lexington School District 2 and Lexington-Richland School District 5 announced they would also begin Wednesday’s classes with two-hour delay.
Many districts canceled classes Monday and Tuesday.
“First responders in the School District Five attendance area have made tremendous strides in repairing damages and restoring utilities in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” Lexington-Richland 5 said in a release. “However, many impacts remain. As of Monday, six schools are affected by power outages, and multiple bus routes remain impassable.”
Hurricane Helene battered South Carolina, especially in the Upstate and the Midlands. At least 34 have died in the state, and more than 600,000 customers were still without power on Tuesday.
In the Upstate, some schools may be closed into next week.
This story was originally published October 1, 2024 at 1:31 PM.
