COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Orangeburg School District announced Sunday afternoon that all schools would remain closed on Monday due to the continued impact of flooding in the area.
The decision follows a brief but powerful storm that hit the region Wednesday night, causing widespread damage and road closures. According to local officials, flooding remains a major concern, with over 140 roads still closed.
“We understand how frustrating this situation is for families, but the safety of our students and staff must be the top priority,” the district said in a Facebook post. “This decision is crucial and stems from the fact that over 140 roads in our county are closed, making safe transportation to and from school impossible.”
Emergency management officials report that 154 of the county's 197 roads remain closed, while 43 have been cleared.
A school bus monitor who wished to remain anonymous shared her concerns about the unsafe conditions.
“I don’t think anyone was expecting this,” she said. “Because we travel all over, and the only way we can get them to school is by bus. And buses can’t travel on these roads.”
The district closed its campuses last Thursday and Friday as the storm's effects were felt.
Officials said they are working closely with local and state emergency management teams to assess the situation and determine when it will be safe for students to return to class.
“We will continue to monitor conditions and make decisions with the safety of our community in mind,” the district added in their social media update.
The district has not announced when classes will resume, but officials urge families to watch for further updates.