Severe Weather Doesn’t Stop Rock Hill Schools
Torrential Rains and Floods Pummel Rock Hill
In Rock Hill, despite the onslaught of flooding and heavy rain brought on by Tropical Depression Debby, students found themselves heading back to school on Thursday. Over 100,000 residents in the Carolinas were left without power due to the severe weather. Major flooding around Rock Hill and the larger Charlotte region led to road closures all over the city.
Parents Express Concerns
Many parents expressed deep concern about sending their children to school in the midst of what was clearly hazardous weather. A local resident, Barton Glenn expressed, “If they put out a travel advisory that says do not travel unless it’s an emergency or you’re fleeing for safety, I think that should include buses or children. As far as my kids, if they were scheduled to go to school today, they would not have gone.”
School District’s Approach Amid the Chaos
The Rock Hill School District received significant criticism due to its decision to keep schools open during the storm. Responding to the concerns raised by parents and community members, Rock Hill Schools Superintendent Dr. Tommy Schmolze stated, “Some families chose to keep their students home today and we fully support our parents and guardians to make that decision. We encouraged safe travels to those of you who reached out and did not mark tardies today to ensure families had time to travel with caution. While we did take attendance, the purpose was to know which students were on campuses.”
Late Wrap Up Due to Weather
Rock Hill Schools confirmed that all school buses pulled in just after 6 p.m., indicating a delayed schedule due to weather conditions. However, they reassured that everyone got to and from school safely, despite the challenging circumstances.
Communities Continue to Recover from Debby’s Wrath
Besides disrupting the daily routine, Tropical Depression Debby has led to significant infrastructural damage. Severe flooding impacted several communities around the Charlotte Metro area. As the storm continues to move away from the Carolinas, recovery and cleanup efforts are being put into full effect.
Only Time Will Tell
With inclement weather quite common in the Carolinas, it’s imperative that local schools and authorities take adequate measures to protect their communities. The events surrounding Tropical Depression Debby demonstrate the importance of comprehensive emergency management procedures. While Rock Hill Schools did ensure the safe transportation of its students, this incident serves as a shocking reminder of the necessary deployments needed in times of extreme weather, where decisive action dictates safety and security.
