School leaders update on plans to return to classes in city and county schools

Published 3:37 pm Monday, January 16, 2023

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By Travis Gupton

The Selma Times-Journal

Selma City Schools, Dallas County Schools and Morgan Academy provided another update on Monday for its students and staff for the upcoming week as Selma continues to recover from a devastating tornado that roared through town last Thursday.

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In a post on the Dallas County Schools Facebook page, Superintendent Anthony Sampson gave a date when the district would return to school.

“Dallas County Schools will resume operations on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023,” Sampson said in the post. “All students and staff will return at that time. If any other updates or changes occur we will continue to keep you informed.”

Morgan Academy was affected heavily by the tornado, and though there was no structure damage, the school’s ground and athletic fields were damaged. Morgan Academy Headmaster Bryan Oliver gave an update Monday on his school’s plans to reopen this week.

“I hope everyone is doing well under the current circumstances. I am continuing to pray for each one of your families as we deal with the storms from this past Thursday,” Oliver said in a post to the school’s Facebook page. “I want to get a message out that we will remain closed Tuesday, January 17. We are planning to resume normal school operations on Wednesday, January 18. If something requires us to remain closed longer I will send another email out on Tuesday. If you have specific needs or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am here to help however I can. I appreciate all the help and support during this difficult time.”

Selma City Schools were the most impacted by the tornado and have seen the most damage. Superintendent Zickeyous Byrd posted on the Selma City Schools Facebook Monday to update everyone on the plans for the coming week.

“On behalf of each Board Member and the superintendent’s office, we send our thoughts and prayers to each of you impacted by the tornado that wreaked havoc on our community,” Byrd said in the post. “As we embark on our journey to recovery, SCS has designated the remainder of this week for remote learning to allow our families and employees the time needed to ensure everyone’s safety and basic needs are met.”

Byrd said in his statement “Hot meals will be available daily from 8 a.m.- 1 p.m. at the closest school in the SCS district.” Additionally, he said Friday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. the school district will host a uniform and school supplies drive at the central office.