Buncombe County Schools will determine the planned return date for students

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) – Buncombe County leaders provide update on Helene recovery efforts (11 a.m.)

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Buncombe County Schools leaders announced proposed return-to-school plans during an emergency meeting on Friday, Oct. 18.

During an emergency meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Education Friday morning, Superintendent Rob Jackson suggested students return to class on Friday, Oct. 25, with a two-hour delay. He also suggested that the two-hour delay schedule continue the following week, from October 28 to November 1.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY SCHOOLS Emergency Meeting

Jackson suggested that schools would return to the normal schedule on Monday, November 4th.

School staff, including bus drivers, TSAs and child nutrition workers, will return to work on Wednesday, October 23rd and Thursday, October 24th to take advantage of all scheduling times and to run new bus routes.

The emergency meeting updated the public on the impact of Helene on the school system, its students and the latest reopening plans.

The school district announced that 776 students are now homeless after Helene devastated the area, up from 254 before the storm. 92 students have withdrawn from the school system. However, all students and employees are taken into account.

DriveNC.gov shows that 39 roads in Buncombe County are currently impassable or closed, according to DOT standards. Officials are currently planning new bus routes and what they should look like for families.

This story will be updated.