Western NC schools: 2 weeks after Helene, see what is open, opening and closed

It’s been two weeks since Tropical Storm Helene tore through Western North Carolina on Sept. 27, disrupting schools across the region.

Some school systems in WNC have been able to resume classes, and others are getting ready to open, and others are forming plans amid hardships. For instance, Asheville City Schools is drilling wells to help while city water is out. And Buncombe County Schools has requested portable restroom trailers.

Asheville City Schools is taking steps to reopen as soon as possible. At the Oct. 9 Buncombe County daily Helene recovery briefing, Superintendent Maggie Fehrman said she hopes to reopen the city’s schools on Oct. 28, but advised that date could change. Seventy Two hours notice will be given before Asheville schools open. Until that opening date arrives, Asheville schools will be hosting optional bridge learning for all students in grades K-12. Starting Monday, Oct. 14, bridge learning will take place daily from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Isaac Dickson Elementary School and Hall Fletcher Elementary School, and meals will be available for pickup.

Avery County Schools will remain closed until it is safe to return. In an Oct. 8 Facebook post, the school system said that once power, water, and sewer are restored at each facility, it will have a better estimate of when it can reopen the schools. Even after they reopen, bus travel will likely be a challenge due to the significant damage to numerous roads and bridges throughout the county. Rather than providing door-to-door bus service, the schools may need to designate pickup and drop-off points within each district or community.