Multiple Columbia-area school districts have canceled classes for Monday because of lingering effects of Hurricane Helene on South Carolina.
Lexington 1 officials said classes have been called off for district students, as all of its schools and and offices will be closed. All extracurricular activities are canceled.
“Our area continues to feel the impact of Hurricane Helene,” Lexington 1 officials said Sunday in a news release. “Power outages are still affecting employees and families, as well as some of our facilities, including a few schools. Additionally, there are ongoing concerns about blocked roadways that would prevent buses from safely running their routes.”
Unlike Friday, when Lexington 1 switched to an e-learning day, that is not an alternative plan for Monday. Because of widespread and extended power outages , e-learning is not an option, according to the release.
As of 11 a.m. Sunday, 904,051 customers in the Palmetto State were still reporting power outages, according to poweroutage.us.
There are no guarantees about a return to schools on Tuesday for students and staff; district officials said there will be another update Monday.
“We understand the disruption this causes, but the well-being of our students, employees and community is our top priority,” district officials said. “Together, we can ensure everyone stays safe as we work through these challenges. Thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time.”
Other school districts
Some other Midlands school districts have also made announcements regarding Monday.
▪ Lexington-Richland 5 officials said that because of the significant damage Helene caused throughout the community — including widespread power and internet outages, impassable roads and damaged property — all schools and offices will be closed on Monday. All after-school childcare programs, after-school activities, and athletic events and practices are also canceled.
District officials said they will use Feb. 17, 2025, as a hazardous weather make-up day and will determine later whether that day will be virtual or in-person.
“The safety of our students and staff remains (L-R 5’s) highest priority, and we wish everyone the best during this difficult time,” officials said. “District officials will continue to monitor impacts of this storm on our students, staff, facilities, and roads. We appreciate your patience as our teams continue to assess the conditions to ensure a safe return to school.”
▪ Richland 1 officials said all district schools and administrative offices will be closed Monday.
Because of the extensive power outages across the district, e-learning will not be an option for students Monday. Plans for Tuesday will be sent Monday, according to district officials.
“Many Richland 1 students and staff and their families are among thousands of Columbia area residents who are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, including power outages and roads blocked with downed trees and debris from the storm,” district officials said. “Some of our schools are without power and some only have partial power.”
▪ Lexington 2 officials said they are canceling school for all students and employees on Monday because of ongoing impacts from Helene. All schools and offices will be closed Monday. All extracurricular activities, sports events, and adult education classes are canceled.
“Many Lexington Two employees and district families continue to be affected by power outages, home damage, as well as downed trees and power lines that are hindering travel within neighborhoods, along secondary roads, and around parts of the greater community,” district officials said. “Given ongoing power outages, and the challenges many employees and families are facing, e-learning is not an option on Monday.”
An announcement about the school Tuesday’s schedule will be made on Monday afternoon.
▪ Lexington 4 officials said district schools and offices will be closed Monday because hazardous road conditions and power outages continue across the district and county. All after-school activities are canceled.
“Additional time is needed for recovery efforts to safely support school operations,” district officials said.
Another update will be provided Monday afternoon.
▪ Newberry School District officials said that because of widespread power outages and road conditions caused by Hurricane Helene , Monday will be an e-learning day. Another update for the rest of the week is expected on Monday, district officials said.
▪ Lexington 3 officials said there will be no classes Monday, but that’s because the district’s students were already scheduled to be out of school for fall break.
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▪ Richland 2 officials said there currently aren’t any plans to adjust the Monday schedule. That could change.
▪ Orangeburg County School District officials said that after conducting assessments of school buildings and facilities, all schools and district offices will reopen on Monday.
“Parents, we understand that some families may still be impacted by Hurricane Helene, and should your family need support, we ask that you reach out to your school directly,” district officials said. “Also, while we believe opening schools is the best decision to support the needs of our students and community, please note that some routes may not be fully cleared, which could potentially cause delays in bus pickups.”
▪ Midlands Technical College officials said that all Midlands Tech campuses will remain closed Monday.
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