Sumter School District moves Monday to eLearning day, spokeswoman says

With the snow forecast for the weekend, extremely cold temperatures and hazardous driving conditions, Sumter School District has shifted Monday, Feb. 2, to an eLearning day for all students and staff.

District Executive Director of Communication and Civic Engagement Shelly Galloway distributed a news release with the announcement about 4:15 p.m. Friday.

According to the National Weather Service in Columbia, a winter storm warning is in effect for Sumter County through 10 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, with forecasts calling for 5 to 8 inches of snow on Saturday.

On Sunday, temperatures are expected to remain near or below freezing, increasing the likelihood of black ice on Monday morning and creating significant travel hazards, Sumter County Emergency Management officials said.
Galloway added that the district’s top priority is the safety of its students, employees, families and bus drivers traveling to and from school.

“We will continue to monitor road conditions on Monday and will determine the status of school for Tuesday based on those assessments,” she said.

On eLearning days, all schools and district offices are closed, and all activities — including athletic events and field trips — are canceled.

According to Galloway, as the district is an approved eLearning district, Monday will not need to be made up. Lessons and assignments will be posted in Schoology. Students who are unable to participate because of power outages, limited internet access or other barriers will be allowed to complete assignments later.

“Sumter School District works closely with emergency management and law enforcement officials when making decisions related to inclement weather,” she said. “While forecasts can change, we wanted to provide families and staff with ample notice to prepare for the eLearning day.”

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