News Summary
Asheville City Schools reopened on a modified schedule after closures due to Hurricane Helene’s catastrophic flooding. The storm caused significant loss of life and damage in Buncombe County, but no student fatalities were reported. The district focuses on mental health support and plans to adjust the academic calendar to help students recover lost learning time. Despite challenges in logistics, schools are committed to creating a supportive environment for healing and rebuilding the community.
Asheville
Asheville City Schools (ACS) reopened on a modified schedule on Monday, October 28, 2025, following closures caused by Hurricane Helene, which resulted in catastrophic flooding in western North Carolina. The modified schedule allows students to return to school after a month of recovery since the storm, which devastated the area.
Buncombe County schools resumed classes on Friday, October 25, 2025, beginning the transition back to normalcy. The severe rainfall brought on by Tropical Storm Helene resulted in record-setting flood levels, with rainfall totaling up to 30 inches in some areas, leading to a once-in-1,000-year flood event. The storm claimed the lives of 42 people in Buncombe County, with additional individuals still reported missing after the disaster.
All ACS students, totaling nearly 3,900, have been accounted for, with no fatalities reported among students or staff members. Fortunately, the facilities of Asheville City Schools remained undamaged during the storm, and all sites currently have electricity, internet access, and running water. However, the water supply is considered unsafe for drinking. In response, ACS has partnered with an aid organization to deliver clean drinking water to students and staff.
Mental Health Focus and Grieving Process
In the wake of the disaster, ACS is prioritizing the mental health of students and staff, as many are coping with significant losses, including family members and homes. The school district has developed specific lessons centered on mental health to allow students to express their feelings and share experiences, fostering a supportive environment as they return to school.
Logistical Challenges and Adjustments
The reopening process is not without challenges. Logistical issues include providing adequate drinking water and managing modified bus routes due to damage from the storm. After thorough planning, classes for the first two days will operate on shortened hours, with elementary schools running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and secondary schools from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The district expects to return to regular learning hours beginning Wednesday, October 30, 2025.
During the school closure, ACS provided temporary classroom settings where students could engage in hands-on learning experiences, allowing them to reconnect with their peers and educators. To prevent learning loss resulting from the disruption, the school district also plans to offer additional programming over the summer to help students catch up on missed coursework.
Adjustments to Academic Calendar
In preparation for the academic year, a unanimous vote adjusted the 2024-25 academic calendar, converting two non-instructional days into school days to accommodate the learning needs of students. This decision reflects the commitment of the school district to ensure that educational continuity is maintained following the widespread disturbances stemming from Hurricane Helene.
The collaborative efforts of Asheville City Schools and community partners aim to create a supportive environment as students, staff, and families begin the road to recovery. With the reopening of schools, there is hope for healing and rebuilding within the Asheville community.
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Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
