Grenada School District officials announced at 2:30 p.m. Sunday that all District schools will remain closed Monday, Feb. 2, and Tuesday, Feb. 3, extending an already week-long shutdown after Winter Storm Fern coated Grenada County in ice and crippled much of its electrical infrastructure. The decision comes as crews continue working to repair extensive damage to power lines and poles at the District’s elementary school campus where service had not been restored by Sunday morning.
District leaders said the continued closure is necessary to protect students and staff while electricity providers replace damaged poles, restring lines and inspect equipment around the schools. Many families also remain without stable power or heat, further complicating efforts to resume normal schedules after days of freezing temperatures and hazardous travel conditions across the county.
The closure affects Grenada Lower and Upper Elementary schools, Grenada Middle School, Grenada High School, the Grenada Career & Technical Center, the Grenada Enrichment & Transition Center and the District’s Central Office.
Winter Storm Fern forced the District to cancel classes for the past week as ice-laden trees and utility lines snapped under the weight, leaving thousands in the dark and knocking out service to parts of the elementary complex. Officials said they will monitor repairs and road conditions early this week and plan to issue another update by midweek about when campuses can safely reopen.
Late Saturday night, Kirk Academy administration announced on social media that classes at the Grenada County private school will resume Monday, Feb. 2.
“Our community has experienced much by way of the storm last week, but I walk away with a profound amount of pride in the way so many have rallied to serve their neighbors,” Head of School Rob Shillito posted on the school’s Facebook page. “I also want to speak on the utility crews that have worked tirelessly to return power to so many of us over the past few days. So many people have put in so much effort to bring our community back up and running.”
Shillito continued by stating that after assessing Kirk Academy's facilities and speaking with local officials, school administration had determined that the school’s plan is to return to school on Monday, Feb. 2.
“Our school was without power for a short time, but aside from that our facilities remain in great shape and will be a safe, warm place for our staff and students,” Shillito continued. “That said, we know every family’s situation is different and plan on operating with an abundance of grace. We value the safety of our staff and students above all else, so if any family deems it unsafe or unwise for their student to return due to the effects of the storm, their absences this week will not count against them.”
If KA students are unable to attend school safely, Shillito said that parents should contact the office, so the students’ teachers stay informed.
“Again, I am proud of our community’s resilience through this storm,” Shillito concluded. “If there is anything at all that Kirk Academy can do to serve your family, please do not hesitate to let us know.”
