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Ashe County Schools reopen Tuesday after Hurricane Helene hit area
The reopening comes after weeks of repurposing facilities to help affected residents.
ASHE COUNTY, N.C. — Ashe County Schools resumed classes on Tuesday following an extended closure due to Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on the North Carolina mountain community.
Students returned on Oct. 29 on a two-hour delay schedule, which will continue through Nov. 1, while staff will report at regular times.
The reopening comes after weeks of repurposing facilities to help affected residents.
“Our schools became vital hubs—providing emergency shelter, distributing supplies, offering hot meals, and creating spaces of comfort and support,” Superintendent Dr. Eisa M. Cox said in a statement to families.
The district still faces significant transportation challenges as it prepares to welcome back students. Working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, school officials have had to revise 23 of its 31 bus routes due to storm damage. More than 200 students will require new bus stops as the district adapts to current road conditions.
Normal after-school care also resumes on Tuesday.
The state has forgiven 20 instructional days lost to Hurricane Helene, though several calendar adjustments have been made to accommodate the extended closure. These changes include converting several planned breaks into regular school days, including three days of spring break (April 23-25, 2025).
District officials emphasized that additional calendar modifications may be necessary due to winter weather. Meanwhile, elementary schools have been working to support storm-impacted families through donated supplies, which are now being consolidated to a single location as classrooms and gymnasiums are prepared for students’ return.
The high school’s emergency shelter operations have concluded, with displaced residents successfully relocated to more permanent housing arrangements as recovery efforts continue throughout the community.