I want to begin by thanking all those who jumped in and acted heroically yesterday afternoon when things took a rapid and dangerous turn.  There are no words to describe our appreciation and support for the school system and our community.  We are working of an overall assessment and will provide updates as appropriate in the next few days.

• We are thankful that students and staff are safe.  Some students and staff were not able to return home last night because roads were flooded, bridges were impassable and some homes were lost.
• Four students were not able to return home last night for the reasons listed above.  School officials were in contact with the parents.  School officials stayed with the students overnight.  Plans are in place to reunite the students with parents today.
• We are required to wait for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) authorization before cleaning or repairing indoor and outdoor facilities.  We are working to have that occur as soon as reasonably possible.
• Central Haywood High School (including Finance and the IT Department on the second floor) has some damage but we are hopeful it will be usable shortly after FEMA clearance.
• It appears the Education Center adjacent to Central Haywood has been spared significant damage.  FEMA authorization is pending our use of that facility.
• There is damage at Pisgah Memorial Stadium as well as damage at other athletic facilities in Canton and Waynesville.  FEMA authorization is also required before cleaning and repairs can be made at these locations.
• One school bus was stranded beyond a flooded bridge.  All other buses were returned to schools.
• Tuscola High School and Hazelwood Elementary School were designated and used as emergency shelters, as well as several non-school facilities in the county.
• I have authorized a temporary medical clinic to be set up in the little gym at Canton Middle School.
• We are working on an individual basis with employees who cannot attend work.  We want to avoid “No Days” if possible as they lengthen the school year for students and staff.
• The Finance Department and Technology Department are planning to work temporarily out of the Central Office.
• The Board of Education is working to establish a remote Emergency Meeting tomorrow (Thursday, August 19) for an update on damages from Tropical Storm Fred.  The meeting time will be announced when established.

Contact:  Dr. Bill Nolte, Superintendent