From Staff Reports 

Asheville public schools will reopen on Oct. 28 after 24 days of school closures prompted by the destruction to the city, in particular, and the region, in general, inflicted by Tropical Storm Helene.

The much-anticipated announcement of the reopening was provided by city School Superintendent Maggie Fehrman, who confirmed the plan in a report unveiled at the joint Asheville-Buncombe County daily press conference on Oct. 17.

However, she stressed that classes will not resume with a full day, and there is still much work to be done.

Facing logistical challenges, the Asheville school system still is working to restore clean water and ensure student safety, officials said

At the press conference, Fehrman said, “I am pleased to report that we now have non-potable (not safe for drinking) water at all of our campuses. However, water service and pressure remain inconsistent.” 

The school system is working to locate and repair water leaks to ensure a safe return to the classroom, she noted.

Fehrman also mentioned that everything possible is being prepared for the return of students, adding that “we are reviewing bus routes and ensuring that there is enough food and water to serve our students.” 

The superintendent also explained that Oct. 23 will be an optional work day for staff, while Oct. 24 and 25 will be mandatory work days to prepare schools for the return to classes, which will begin with reduced hours.

Further, Fehrman reported that FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) personnel have provided guidance and resources for access to drinking water in schools. 

“We are working diligently to identify additional sources of drinking water so that we can return to a full school day as soon as possible,” the superintendent explained, stressing that the most-critical need remains drinking water on campuses. 

Finally, she thanked the educational community for its patience and effort during this period as follows: 

“Together we can achieve more than we thought possible. Thank you all for your support!”