Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools Set to Reopen

Students eagerly returning to classes after the hurricane damage recovery.

News Summary

After Hurricane Helene caused significant damage, Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools have unveiled their reopening plans. The Buncombe County Board of Education approved the plans, with teachers returning on October 23 and students back in class on October 25. A modified schedule will include a two-hour delay for students until November 1, while essential services and accountability measures are in place to ensure safety and support for affected students amid ongoing challenges like the increase in homeless populations.

Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools Set to Reopen Post-Hurricane Helene

In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s destructive path, the families of Buncombe County and Asheville City are finally receiving some brighter news. Yes, you heard that right! After significant damage left schools in need of urgent repairs and restorative measures, both districts have outlined their much-anticipated reopening plans. Let’s dive into all the juicy details!

Reopening Plans Approved

On Friday, October 18, the Buncombe County Board of Education gave the green light for the reopening. Teachers and staff, including bus drivers and the crucial nutrition team members, will be back on campus for their Return to Work days on Wednesday, October 23, and Thursday, October 24. That means the buzz of education will lift off again, starting with students returning to class on Friday, October 25. What a relief for everyone!

Modified Schedule for Students

However, it won’t be all systems go right from the start. From October 25 through November 1, students will experience a two-hour delay each day. This delay is super important as it will give bus drivers the time they need to adjust to new routes because several roads and bridges were affected by the storm. Remember, safety first!

Plus, October 31 will not see an early dismissal as schools will be running on this new two-hour delay instead. Just a heads up for any Halloween plans! To balance the schedule adjustments, the first semester has been pushed back and will now end on January 24, 2025.

Facilities and Resources Restored

Great news— all 45 schools have had their non-potable water service, power, and internet restored! You might ask, “What about drinking water?” Don’t worry, drinking water is being delivered to schools to keep both students and staff hydrated!

Maintenance crews are working around the clock, wrapping up restoration work while IT teams reconnect the crucial systems needed for smooth operations. For those concerned about emotional well-being post-hurricane, additional counselors from neighboring schools will step in to support students and staff.

Asheville City Schools Join the Movement

In conjunction with Buncombe County Schools, Asheville City Schools is also up and running. The superintendent confirmed that campuses have non-potable water available while they continue to seek additional sources for drinking water, ensuring the needs of everyone are met.

Adapting to Infrastructure Changes

Both districts are facing the challenge of new bus routes due to significant infrastructure damage. To keep students engaged while the school year revamps, the district has launched an optional learning module, which offers non-graded activities available online or over the phone.

Parents can expect at least 72 hours of notice before students head back to school as the plans get finalized. As of October 11, the Buncombe County Schools Superintendent revealed that 32 large water tanks would be distributed to schools lacking running water, and they’re exploring portable restroom trailers as well.

Concerns and Challenges on the Horizon

It’s essential to note some ongoing challenges. The Buncombe County district has reported a staggering tripling of its homeless student population, growing from 254 to 776. This raises concerns about hygiene and mental health among parents, especially with a rapid reopening.

Another key date to remember is that school days will return to normal hours starting Monday, November 4. Luckily, the district has assured families that all missed school days will be marked as completed, so there’s no need for anyone to worry about playing catch-up!

As things begin to normalize, everyone in Buncombe County and Asheville City is looking forward to getting back to routine and supporting one another through this recovery process. We’re all in this together!