Asheville Schools Gear Up for Student Return Amid Storm Recovery Efforts

Asheville Prepares for Student Return After Storm Disturbances

Asheville, N.C. has been abuzz lately as local school districts gear up for the return of students following a challenging period of recovery after the recent storm, Hurricane Helene. During a press conference on October 17, officials from Asheville City Schools (ACS) and Buncombe County Schools (BCS) shared updates on their progress and plans to ensure students can safely return to classes.

The Big News from Asheville City Schools

Dr. Maggie Fehrman, the superintendent of Asheville City Schools, announced a target date of Monday, October 28 for students to return. She emphasized that collaborative efforts among district leaders, principals, and staff have been pivotal in preparing for this reopening.

While a lot of work remains, Dr. Fehrman expressed optimism, sharing that all ACS campuses have gained access to water. However, there’s a catch: the water is currently non-potable. “We’re still working on fixes to our water system,” she explained. “Pressure and service are unstable as leaks are located and repaired.” This is just one of many tasks that need to be tackled to make the return smooth and safe for students.

Among the key factors for a successful reopening, Dr. Fehrman highlighted the importance of ensuring that students have enough drinking water available. After consulting with FEMA, she said that based on their guidance, the schools are set to provide sufficient water for every student. “We are on it!” she asserted. The school intends to send out direct communications to families soon, providing detailed information to help them prepare.

Buncombe County Schools’ Updates

On the other hand, Rob Jackson, the superintendent of Buncombe County Schools, provided a broader overview of the situation in their district. Unlike ACS, Jackson did not confirm a specific reopening date but reassured everyone that the district is diligently assessing the needs of students and staff across the county.

As of the press conference, Jackson noted a promising number of schools have had their utilities restored: 44 out of 45 schools have power, and 34 schools have water. Interestingly, 38 schools even have internet connectivity, which is key for a modern learning environment.

Jackson also discussed the ongoing collaboration with ACS and local charter schools to tackle the vital issue of distributing drinkable water, a collective effort aimed at benefiting all students in the area. “Our goal is to support every child in our county,” he stated warmly.

Prepping for the Future

In terms of safety, Jackson mentioned that some staff members are being trained on fire watch procedures in case the sprinkler systems are not functioning properly due to unstable water pressure. While it was reassuring that none of the schools faced catastrophic damage, some of them are still undergoing necessary restoration work.

Excitingly, Jackson highlighted that the nutrition teams are hard at work planning meals for students. They are prepared to provide free breakfast and lunch to over 22,000 students when they return. This is especially crucial since the schools are currently dealing with the complexities of having non-potable water.

Supporting Emotional Well-Being

Recognizing the emotional toll that such disruptions can cause, both superintendents are keenly aware of the need to support students and staff alike. Plans are underway to bolster the emotional well-being of everyone returning to school, including the addition of more counselors and social workers to ensure that help is available. “We’re committed to being there for our school community,” stated Jackson.

Looking Ahead

As things progress, Jackson assured families that BCS will provide a minimum of 72 hours advance notice before any reopening to give everyone ample time to adjust. In his closing remarks, he expressed his gratitude for the ongoing community support during this time of recovery and preparation, emphasizing that collaboration leads to achieving goals that seem impossible alone.

With optimism in the air, Asheville’s school districts are focused keenly on the upcoming weeks, ensuring safe, healthy, and supportive environments as students prepare to return to their classrooms.