Important update regarding our plans stemming from the chemical fire in neighboring Rockdale County:
Over the course of the last 24 hours, we have been in close consultation with multiple agencies, including the Newton County Emergency Management Agency, Newton County Government, local municipalities, and various emergency service providers. Our primary goal has been to seek guidance on the aftereffects of the fire and to determine its current and potential impact on our community.
To that end, we received notice earlier this evening that the air quality in Newton County has been determined safe, and subsequently, is not likely to result in harm to most persons. This news has been relieving, considering that our first obligation and concern, is the safety and welfare of our students and staff.
While it is critically important that we return to full operations, we have also learned that a significant number of Newton County Schools employees have been directly affected by the evacuations in Rockdale County – and we remain uncertain about operational viability upon welcoming back our 18,000 students.
In light of this development,
all schools will be closed for both students and most staff on Tuesday, October 1. However,
all principals, 12-month employees, and central office staff should plan to report to work tomorrow in anticipation of a full return for everyone on Wednesday, October 2.
Clearly, since last week, our students will have missed 4 school days resulting from Hurricane Helene and the Rockdale County chemical fire. At this time, we are reviewing options for making up the missed days and will provide more information and clear guidance as soon as a decision is made.
Again, there will be
no school for students tomorrow, Tuesday, October 1. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. Please stay safe, and we will continue to keep you informed.