MARSHALL - For many Western North Carolina communities, including in Marshall and Hot Springs, schools are serving as vital community resource hubs in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Madison County Schools announced schools would remain closed Monday, Oct. 7, and provided an update on the school operations at the six local schools.
But as Superintendent Will Hoffman points out, many students and their families are still without power in the county, and some without access due to road damage.
"We are grateful to the many repair crews who are working to help our community recover from the devastation of the hurricane," Hoffman said in an email to Madison County Schools staff and administration.
More:How to find help: Madison County emergency resource guide in the wake of Helene flooding
"Due to the many factors related to the storm, Madison County schools will remain closed until it is safe to reopen.When we have a firm date for reopening schools, we will announce that date giving staff and families ample time to prepare."
Hoffman assured staff and administration that Madison County Schools’ hourly and 10-month staff will be paid through the Hurricane Helene crisis and recovery efforts.
Additionally, the Madison County Schools superintendent said the school system is anticipating state legislature to approve emergency provisions in the coming days.
"If not, we will move annual leave days," Hoffman said. "All 12-month employees are asked to work with their direct supervisor regarding their work schedule. Some staff, who are able, may be asked by their principal to report to work on a case by case basis for duties specific to schools."
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Assistant Superintendent Lisa Gahagan stressed the importance of providing normalcy for the students, too.
"They need normal. They need routine," Gahagan said, adding that power outages remain a hurdle as well.
While schools remain closed, Hoffman expressed gratitude for the staff, some of whom were performing wellness checks on students and their families.
"I appreciate the work of our staff over the past week who are making wellness checks on students and families, or lending a hand where needed, understanding that our schools are critical supports and healing points for our community," Hoffman said.
"We have assessed cafeteria inventories and are making orders to restock items that have been distributed over the past week. Our bus garage continues to provide fuel for law enforcement and emergency vehicles and our buildings are being used as shelters and sites for the distribution of essential items. Our schools are also being utilized to house utility crews working to bring power to Madison County and the region."
More:Madison County death toll climbs to 5 after Helene. Hot Springs mayor: Have hope
The News-Record & Sentinel was at Hot Springs Elementary School Oct. 4 visiting the school, which is serving as the town's central food, water, clothing and supplies hub amid the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.
Hot Springs Elementary School Principal Jimmy McGregor emphasized that the students' safety is a top priority.
"It all comes back to their safety," McGregor said. "I think DOT will have to clear their roads. We'll need to have electricity. We're still under a boil advisory. So those three things have to really get done."
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In addition to continued learning, a return to classes has a host of other benefits for local families as well, McGregor points out.
"Think about it, it's twofold. Kids can go to school, parents can go back to work, and parents can start working on the town," McGregor said. "You really do need the kids back in school."
Hoffman reminded school staff of the numerous resources available in Madison County for anyone in need of food, supplies or shelter.
"Please be reminded that food, water and essential supply distribution is available at the Madison County Cooperative Extension offices, an emergency shelter and oxygen tank refills are available to the public at the Wellness Center beside Madison Early College High School," he said in the email.
"Assistance is available to families at the gym and cafeteria at Hot Springs Elementary and clothing and essential supplies are also available at Madison High School."
In the email, Hoffman said he would provide another update to Madison County Schools staff and community on the status of school operations on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
"Until then, stay composed, stay dedicated, stay professional and lead boldly with relentless positivity. Your work in the coming days, weeks and months, more than ever, will make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and families," Hoffman said in the email.
