Unicoi County Schools contemplating future as flood recovery continues

UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — The question of when students will return to classes in Unicoi County does not seem to have a simple answer.

Flooding brought on by Hurricane Helene led to fatalities and widespread destruction in the county. Unicoi County High School has become a shelter for flood victims and a hub for donations, rescue operations, and medical treatment.

Laticia Torres is a mother of four, three of whom are still in the Unicoi County Schools system. She is volunteering at the school while students wait to return to the classroom.

“I’m still trying to get them to do somewhat of work, even though we’re out,” Torres said. “Just to get their education going so they don’t get behind.”

Director of Schools John English said he knows getting students back to school is critical, but the situation has become difficult as the county suffers from the generational floods.

“If you think about ‘well ok, maybe we can’t physically get in, so how can we do virtual?’ Well, the power outage situation and lots of students that have lost their devices that have washed away,” English said.

English has been in contact with state education leaders, who he says have understood the situation.

“They’ve reached out and been very proactive with us to let us know that they understand the situation that it could be weeks,” he said. “Hopefully not. Our mindset is we want to get in front of our kids as soon as we can in some form.”

Torres said her children have asked her when they will go back to school, but she cannot answer that question at the moment.

“I’ve just said, hopefully soon, but all they’re thinking of is ‘How can we help? How can I help my school? How can I help my community?'” Torres said.

English does not expect classes to resume next week.

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