The Lexington One School District announced, Monday to employees and families that the district is canceling school on Tuesday and operating on a two-hour delay on Wednesday. Below is the message we shared with them.

What’s happening: Lexington County School District One is announcing the following updates to our school operations for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

• Tuesday, Oct. 1: Lexington One is canceling school for all students and employees. All schools and offices will be closed and all after-school events are canceled. Tuesday will not be an eLearning day due to ongoing power outages and recovery efforts. 
• Wednesday, Oct. 2: Lexington One will operate on a two-hour delay. This means school start times are delayed by two hours. Bus riders should report to their bus stops and car riders should be dropped off two hours later than usual. Staff should report to work two hours later as well. 

What to know: Recovery efforts in our area continue but there is still a major concern that many rural roads are blocked by downed trees and powerlines, which present traveling hazards for our school buses. District leaders continue to monitor our area and check our school facilities and bus routes and may have to adjust Wednesday’s plans if conditions change. We will announce any changes as soon as possible.

Why it matters: Closing school on Tuesday and a two-hour delay on Wednesday provides a cautious and safe way to return to normal operations following the impact of Hurricane Helene and especially considering a number of employees, students and families are still without power and are focusing on repairing their homes. 

Families needing assistance in their recovery efforts can check the website DisasterAssistance.gov. FEMA may be able to help with home repairs, temporary housing, or property damage (appliances, furniture, vehicle, etc). You may also qualify for help with child care, medical, lodging, etc.The big picture: Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our students, employees and families. We understand the hardships many are facing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and we stand with you during this challenging time. As we work together to recover, we want to assure you that we’re committed to making decisions that prioritize the safety of our community while supporting those who need it most. Thank you for your patience, resilience and for being part of a community that looks out for one another.