HABERSHAM COUNTY, Ga. – As forecasters warn that the most dangerous winter weather is not expected to arrive until Saturday, many school systems across northeast Georgia are delaying decisions on closures until Friday or later, noting that students will not be in school when the worst conditions are expected to occur.
Administrators across the region said the weekend timing of the storm allows districts to continue monitoring forecasts and refine plans rather than making early decisions that could change as conditions evolve.
Habersham County
In Habersham County, school officials said no determination has been made regarding potential school closures or schedule changes.
Patrick Franklin, superintendent of Habersham County Schools, said the district will not make a decision until Friday at the earliest because the most significant weather is expected after students are already out of school for the weekend. Any changes to school operations will be communicated through the Habersham Schools First Alert app and the district’s official communication channels.
Hall County
In Hall County, school leaders outlined preparations underway while also holding off on operational decisions.
Hall County Schools officials said they are preparing for multiple scenarios but will not make decisions until a weather event actually occurs. The district serves about 28,000 students and employs roughly 3,700 staff members.
Preparations include coordinating with state and local officials, draining water systems in auxiliary buildings to prevent frozen or damaged plumbing, and working with local contractors to stage snow- and ice-removal equipment and materials throughout the county. District leaders are also coordinating with principals and instructional staff to ensure readiness for digital at-home learning should road conditions require school closures. Officials said that if power outages occur, all school operations would be canceled and there would be no digital learning.
Hall County Schools encouraged families and employees to monitor the district’s website and official social media accounts for updates.
Rabun County
In Rabun County, school officials said they are actively monitoring the forecast and will move quickly as additional information becomes available.
Amy York Pruitt, Director of Communications for Rabun County Schools, said a decision regarding school operations for Monday, Jan. 26, will be made as early as possible as forecast confidence increases. Updates will be shared with families through ParentSquare and the school system’s social media channels.
Pruitt said student Chromebooks will be sent home with primary and elementary students on Friday, while middle and high school students already take their devices home daily.
Rabun County High School also announced an athletics schedule change tied to the forecast. Junior varsity, girls and boys basketball games originally scheduled for Saturday at East Hall High School have been rescheduled to Thursday, Jan. 22, beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Stephens County
In Stephens County, school officials said they are monitoring forecasts that indicate the potential for winter weather and widespread power outages this weekend.
Stephens County School District said no decisions have been made at this time and that any actions regarding school closures would be based on weather conditions and the safety of students, staff and families. Families were encouraged to follow the district on social media and watch for updates through official email communications.
Lumpkin County
In Lumpkin County, school officials said they are planning for several possible scenarios as the county remains under a Winter Storm Watch.
Lumpkin County Schools officials said they are working closely with local and state officials and have not made any final decisions regarding school operations. If weather conditions make travel unsafe but widespread power outages do not occur, the district may implement virtual learning days. If power outages or other conditions make virtual learning impractical, alternative plans will be communicated.
Families were told that any changes to school operations, schedules or activities will be shared promptly through messaging alerts, the district website and social media.
Hart County
In Hart County, sources with the Hart County Charter System told Now Habersham that a decision on potential school closures will likely be made Friday at the earliest, citing the weekend timing of the expected storm.
School officials across the region urged families to continue monitoring official communication channels as forecasts become clearer and conditions change.
