Haywood County Schools: Damages and Recovery from Tropical Storm Fred

Haywood County -- Haywood County Schools: Damages and Recovery from Tropical Storm Fred

– Update 1
By admin / August 18, 2021

I want to begin by thanking all those who jumped in and acted heroically yesterday afternoon when things took a rapid and dangerous turn.  There are no words to describe our appreciation and support for the school system and our community.  We are working of an overall assessment and will provide updates as appropriate in the next few days.

We are thankful that students and staff are safe.  Some students and staff were not able to return home last night because roads were flooded, bridges were impassable and some homes were lost.
Four students were not able to return home last night for the reasons listed above.  School officials were in contact with the parents.  School officials stayed with the students overnight.  Plans are in place to reunite the students with parents today.
We are required to wait for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorization before cleaning or repairing indoor and outdoor facilities.  We are working to have that occur as soon as reasonably possible.
Central Haywood High School (including Finance and the IT Department on the second floor) has some damage but we are hopeful it will be usable shortly after FEMA clearance.
It appears the Education Center adjacent to Central Haywood has been spared significant damage.  FEMA authorization is pending our use of that facility.
There is damage at Pisgah Memorial Stadium as well as damage at other athletic facilities in Canton and Waynesville.  FEMA authorization is also required before cleaning and repairs can be made at these locations.
One school bus was stranded beyond a flooded bridge.  All other buses were returned to schools.
Tuscola High School and Hazelwood Elementary School were designated and used as emergency shelters, as well as several non-school facilities in the county.
I have authorized a temporary medical clinic to be set up in the little gym at Canton Middle School.
We are working on an individual basis with employees who cannot attend work.  We want to avoid “No Days” if possible as they lengthen the school year for students and staff.
The Finance Department and Technology Department are planning to work temporarily out of the Central Office.
The Board of Education is working to establish a remote Emergency Meeting tomorrow (Thursday, August 19) for an update on damages from Tropical Storm Fred.  The meeting time will be announced when established.
Contact:  Dr. Bill Nolte, Superintendent

Damages and Recovery from Tropical Storm Fred – Update 2
By admin / August 18, 2021

 
Haywood County Schools will be closed with Optional Workdays on Thursday, August 19 and Friday, August 20. This follows significant impact from Tropical Storm Fred. There will not be remote learning on August 19 and 20.

Today and tomorrow we will be working to determine the overall damage related to the school system. We are working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for authorization to re-enter impacted facilities for cleanup and repair purposes. We are checking the specific impact on all bus routes. We continue to work with other public partners to assist in the operation of shelters located on school property and other matters related to the impact of Tropical Storm Fred. We cannot thank our County partners enough for their work and support.

They have been amazing. We ask for public patience as we work through the appropriate steps to reopen schools. We are so proud of our school community. As in the past, the community has responded to a crisis situation with hard work and determination. Thank you from the Haywood County Board of Education, our administration and staff.

The Board of Education has scheduled a remote Emergency Meeting tomorrow evening. The meeting will be Thursday, August 19 at 5:00 p.m. We hope to have additional information and updates at that time. Be kind, be smart and be safe.

Contact: Dr. Bill Nolte, Superintendent