As the community prepares for school reopenings, families and students gather outside local schools.
Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools are preparing for safe student return post-Hurricane Helene. With critical discussions and strategies underway, both districts aim to provide necessary resources, including drinkable water and food programs. While Asheville sets a tentative reopening date of October 28, Buncombe reports a majority of schools are operational. The community’s resilience shines as they navigate these challenges, including upcoming weather conditions.
As the vibrant city of Asheville recovers from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the local school districts are busy making plans to get students back in the classrooms. This week, both Asheville City Schools (ACS) and Buncombe County Schools (BCS) held a press conference on October 17 to outline their recovery efforts and reopening strategies.
Dr. Maggie Fehrman, the Superintendent of Asheville City Schools, shared some key points regarding the current situation. While water is available at the schools, it is non-potable, and the water pressure is still a bit unpredictable due to ongoing repairs. To ensure that everything is up and running smoothly, the district has set a tentative return date for students on Monday, October 28.
One of the primary needs for reopening is securing drinkable water. The officials are working hard not only to get this sorted but also to reroute and test bus runs to guarantee safe transportation for students. After meeting with FEMA representatives, ACS is also working on ensuring a sufficient water supply per student for a shortened instructional day, helping them prepare for the school’s reopening.
Families in the district can expect to receive important updates this week detailing everything they need to know to prepare for their children’s return to school.
Meanwhile, Buncombe County Schools seem to be in better shape overall. Superintendent Rob Jackson reported that, as of the latest updates, 44 out of 45 schools have power, and a majority of them are also operational in terms of water and internet connectivity. Specific numbers reveal that 34 schools have water available, and 38 schools have internet access.
To address the need for drinking water, BCS has partnered with local management teams and area charter schools. They are working diligently to distribute drinking water to all public schools in the district. Moreover, with the inconsistent water pressure, BCS is providing fire watch training for staff to ensure everyone is well prepared.
Although the schools did not face “catastrophic damage,” restoration continues in seven schools with dedicated teams working around the clock to make repairs. The transportation teams are doing a massive job, with buses covering over 15,000 miles daily. They are redrawing routes to enhance safety and planning additional community stops.
When students return, they can expect free breakfast and lunch programs, serving more than 22,000 students in the district, ensuring that no child goes hungry. The district is also mindful of the emotional well-being of its students and staff. They are making arrangements to provide additional counselors and social workers to assist with the transition back to school.
Parents can expect at least a 72-hour notice before schools officially reopen, giving them ample time to prepare. Governor Roy Cooper is also involved, having surveyed the damage from the hurricane across North Carolina, showing a commitment from the state to assist in the recovery.
As if the aftermath of the hurricane wasn’t enough, weather forecasts are warning residents of heavy snow expected from Friday to Saturday. The areas around Madison, Swain, Haywood, Graham, Jackson, and Macon counties could see anywhere from 3 to 6 inches of snow. This could further complicate the safe return of students, so the community is urged to stay tuned for updates as conditions develop.
As Asheville and Buncombe County schools work tirelessly to bring students back to their favorite place—their schools—the entire community is rallying together. With each passing day, it’s clear that resilience and cooperation will pave the path forward for a brighter and more supportive school experience.
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