They're going back!

Just published on the Tusky Valley Schools website this afternoon:

TV Schools Set to Open Tuesday, April 1

TV Schools will open school for students on Tuesday, April 1. “We’re very encouraged with the fact that water has receded much faster than originally projected by the US Army Corps of Engineers last week,” said Mark A. Murphy, superintendent. School officials met late Sunday afternoon with county commissioners and representatives from the US Army Corps of Engineers to receive the most up to date water elevation projections. “We are prepared to take full advantage of the downward trend in water levels and clearing of roads so that we can welcome and resume classes for students,” Murphy added. As of Sunday, numerous county roads and State Route 212 between Zoar and State Route 800 remained closed due to high waters, preventing TV Schools from opening Monday.

Although the Ohio Department of Transportation plans to officially open State Route 212 and the entrance to Tusky Valley Road (County Road 106) Monday afternoon, school officials were advised by commissioners and the US Army Corps of Engineers on Sunday that the opening of State Route 212 may not be permanent based on anticipated rain events later this week. As a result, district officials have created alternative measures to safely transport students to and from school if warranted.

District transportation supervisor Jim Downing and Superintendent Murphy met Monday morning with Sheriff Walt Wilson and Bo Hysong of the Sandy Township Trustees to review contingency plans in the event State Route 212 were to close again. School bus and other school traffic would be temporarily re-routed to 2nd Street in Zoar to Mineral-Zoar and Bailey Roads. “We are extremely grateful for the support and blessings from Sheriff Wilson and the Sandy Township Trustees in re-routing traffic if State Route 212 is not open or if it were to close again,” expressed Murphy. “Our primary goal is to ensure the safe transportation of all students, and I’m confident we can do that with the clearance and assistance from our local law enforcement.”

In other preparations, individual contact will be made to families of students whose designated bus stops are changed due to flooded roadways. “We are elated to be able to welcome our students back,” Murphy expressed on behalf of staff and the Tuscarawas Valley Board of Education. “In re-opening, we urge all drivers to be extra cautious, follow posted road signs, and allow flexibility with school and transportation schedules.”

I find it interesting that now they are going to take advantage of the back roads should 212 have to close again.