Episode 246: Recovering from Helene in Western NC

In this special episode we’re diving into how schools are recovering from the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene and the support systems in place for affected families. Joining us are two superintendents from Wester NC, Dr. Eisa Cox and Dr. Maggie Fehrman, and Representative Linsday Prather, who will share insights on restoring school facilities, supporting displaced students, and providing resources to families in need. We’ll also explore what community members can do to help local schools and strengthen resilience for the future.

Guests:
Rep. Lindsay Prather
Dr. Maggie Fehrman, Superintendent of Asheville City Schools

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:14

Welcome to Education Matters, presented by the Public School Forum of North Carolina. I'm your host, Dr. Mary Ann Wolf. In this special episode, we're diving into how schools are recovering from the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene and the support systems in place for affected families. Joining us are Dr. Maggie Furman, Superintendent of Asheville City Schools, and Representative Lindsay Prather from Buncom County. They will both share insights on restoring school facilities, supporting displaced students, and providing resources to families in need. We'll also explore what community members can do to help local schools and strengthen resilience for the future. Thank you so much for joining us. We are so pleased to be joined by Representative Lindsay Prather from Buncombe County, North Carolina, and Dr. Maggie Furman, Superintendent of Asheville City Schools. Welcome to you both. Thank you.

SPEAKER_03 1:07

Thank you.

SPEAKER_01 1:08

You have both been on our minds so much, you and your communities, in terms of all that have been happening in Western North Carolina. So I just want to start by asking you, how are you and how are your communities? And I know you share some of those too. So uh why don't I start with you, Dr. Furman?

SPEAKER_03 1:27

Um yeah, thanks for having me. We are we're doing okay. We brought our students back to school this week. Um we did a uh shortened day yesterday and on Monday, and today we're back on full schedule. Um, and it was a mixed, um, mixed kind of reception. Lots of joy, everyone seeing each other and being back together in a space, but also some sadness as families and students and staff shared their experiences over the past several weeks after the hurricane. Um, but all in all, I would say I told my board today we had a five-star opening. Um, so we're really excited that we're back. We're taking this week to really lean in on mental health support, social emotional resources for students, um, and then just reassessing where we are and what our next step is going to be.

SPEAKER_01 2:14

Well, thank you so much. And thank you for your thoughtful approach. I know how much that means to the kids and the families. And Representative Prather, I know you come at this from many different angles, but also are so deeply tied in your community. How are you? And how do you feel like your communities are doing? Thank you.

SPEAKER_02 2:31

Yeah, I'm um, I'm all right. And my uh my community is is gonna be okay. Um it's it's certainly been tough. Uh I think, you know, some folks have left town, some folks are still out of town, some folks left and and are coming back. Um so it has certainly been a uh certainly been difficult, but the way that the community has come together has has truly been amazing. Um and it's really shown me that that we've had a strength here uh that's that's gonna get us.

SPEAKER_01 3:05

Representative Prather, knowing how much you are able to see so much good in the way people have come together and so much, I guess, resilience and hope. We also know that there's a lot of ongoing concerns that it might be helpful for people across the state to understand from people who are really in the thick of it. And so I'm curious if you could share with us what some of those are for you.

SPEAKER_02 3:30

While the people in the community are absolutely taking care of each other, uh and and that's just been absolutely amazing. There's definitely a concern that um that people are gonna forget about us outside of Western North Carolina. So we're spending a lot of time, you know, making sure that people know this is gonna be a long, long recovery. Uh and so, you know, asking people to be patient, um, but but also to hang in there with us. Uh it's it's gonna be a while to get through this. Um, just like like Dr. Furman said, you know, especially in the schools, we're we're really being intentional about taking things slow, making sure that that people are okay physically and mentally, but before we really get back to kind of the regular routine of things. Um so the the long-term aspect and and just making sure that uh that we're getting the support we need from the legislature, uh, which you know we were able to do a few things in in the disaster relief bills for our schools that definitely need need to do more. Um, and we will be back in rally to do that. But uh yeah, just just making sure people don't forget about us and and that they're ready for the long haul support.

SPEAKER_01 4:40

Thank you. And Dr. Furman, I know that you're seeing a lot of impacts you've described here, but I also know how much your schools jumped in as part of this care um for families in the community. Can you describe a little bit the kinds of resources your schools and your educators and your staffs were providing for the communities and you know, what did that look like for you?

SPEAKER_03 5:03

Yeah, we had several different um resource types of resources um for our community. Um, I think, you know, right now we're still operating our resource center. So we converted the gym at our building on 90 Montfort into a resource distribution. We were getting just overwhelmed with donations, needed a place to set up um that would be easy for people to get to. Um so we converted that gym into a resource center. We continue to get donations yesterday. We had a semitruck come in with 21 pallets of resources. Um we take what we can get. Um, we have a just a wonderful team of parent and community volunteers that help sort and organize all the resources when they come in. Um and I'm really impressed with how respectful and um just thoughtful the team is that's working there. Um, they come in and they give um every community member, staff member, family member, parent a shopping list. And they're like, okay, you're gonna go shopping. And they give them a cart and like a nice shopping bag. So it's it's such a lovely thing to see and how respectful they're being to the members in our community. Um, the other thing we knew we needed to do in addition to getting resources out into our community was also provide some options for students to be continue to be engaged any way they could. Um, so we held um college application support sessions, AP tutoring sessions for our students. Um we did them in short periods because we didn't have running water, we had some porta potties set up. Um, and then we did a K-12 bridge learning um activity. So one of our campuses has a thermo, a thermal like water reservoir as part of its heating and cooling system. So we were able to hook that up to flush toilets. And what we were able to do then is open that campus for students for about uh we did two-hour sessions for a week and just invited any everyone and everyone was welcome. Our staff came and volunteered their time, they created lessons and activities to engage students, and it was just a really wonderful way to get our students, keep them in touch with staff, with families, and and also provide them a sense of normalcy.

SPEAKER_01 7:22

So many things. And I know we've just been hearing about so many specific examples and just where people are stepping up, but also just how much you were organizing and your educators were organizing. And we've heard that across all of Western North Carolina and just how much um our educators need. I know one of the things we've heard quite a bit about is compassion fatigue in educators right now. And um I I didn't know if that's something you'd like to talk a little bit about or how we support those, you know, because there's a lot of different kinds of frontline workers right now, I think. And then for a lot of our communities, it seems like educators were in fact those two.

SPEAKER_03 7:59

Yeah, we realized very quickly that our educators were able to get in touch with families very directly and quickly. Um, so they were that first line of contact as we're trying to make sure we can get in touch with every student. Um, and one of the sayings that I tell my staff is you know, you've always got to put your oxygen mask on first before you can help others. So we are constantly checking in with our staff. We did some pre-planning days last week for our teachers and really wanted it to be low stress opportunities for them to engage and just see each other. So we had a cookout on one afternoon, then we had puppy therapy on the next day, and just a just a whole pack of puppies went to every building, and the staff was able to just really hug on the puppies and love on the puppies. Um, and they we we just had such resounding positive um feedback from that. Um, and then we did a s'mores cookout. So there were just lots of things we were doing to care for our staff. And then this week, as we're moving into the students, we're doing a tap-in, tap out. So if a teacher needs a break, if they're feeling overwhelmed, um, they can just email or contact their administrator and tap out for 10 or 15 minutes. Um, also, we know that several of our staff have damage to their homes, so we're letting them know whatever you need. If you need to take a phone call from your insurance company, just keep us posted so that we can help support our staff as they navigate life while they're trying to work as well.

SPEAKER_01 9:29

Thank you so much. We'll continue this conversation after the break. Representative Prather, you mentioned before what the General Assembly has done to support your community. We're also curious about what else do you all need, right? And what does that look like? And I know you said what the GA so far is the beginning. And I didn't know if you wanted to elaborate a little bit on that and what you're seeing across your community as those biggest needs that people who want to know what to do might be able to help, or is it things that are or are there things our state needs to do?

SPEAKER_02 10:30

Yes. And I do what just want to add to the the last question as well. Um, I think for for a lot of folks, a lot of folks have the perception that because schools weren't in session during the um, you know, the recovery phase or response phase, really, which we're still in, um, you know, the teachers were still out there, right? They were still, they were, I mean, I had so many teachers just within the first couple days that were like, all right, where can I help? Where can I volunteer? I did a day with a group of teachers from our local um teacher unions for Asheville City and Buncombe County, and we were sorting clothing donations over at beloved Asheville together. Um, and you know, I I think that's been obviously good for the community, but it also has helped the individuals to feel like they were doing something when um when they weren't able to teach. And so um, but you know, yeah, definitely making sure that that they're taking care of themselves. Um, I absolutely agree. You got to put on your your own oxygen mask first. Um but I I think it was it was helpful for them to be able to feel like they, you know, they were able to do something. Um as far as the legislature's job, uh we have a really, really big job. Um, and I'm gonna continue pushing for us to step up. So what we have done so far is to provide um some calendar flexibility to the schools that were impacted uh to make sure that students and and staff and faculty were not being punished essentially for for the time that was lost. And uh we also in the second disaster relief bill were able to provide some additional funding specifically for mental health services, um, for the universities, the community colleges, and for the K-12 schools as well. I will say um I think a lot of the things that our schools need right now are the three things that our schools have needed for years. Um there's there's you know, we need to be staffing our social workers and counselors and nurses and psychologists at the recommended ratios. Uh I mean that's that's resiliency in addition to response, right? When you have those people in place, you're able to build a community that that can respond more quickly and and in a in a healthy way. Uh and so we're gonna keep pushing for the things that we have been pushing for that our schools need. Those have not changed, those are certainly more urgent now than they were. But um those things like like mental health services uh transportation, uh that that's certainly been a big issue for our schools. Um, you know, we need we need more bus drivers, we need um, you know, to have more routes. You've got kids that are spending a long time on the bus. And and as we have roads that are still inaccessible, as we have individual bridges that are washed out, things like that, that's gonna be an issue that um that we're continuing to have to have to address. Uh and you know, just just in general, I think similar to the COVID pandemic, a lot of people are realizing just how essential our public schools are to the community at large. Uh and so, you know, any way that we can support the community through programs that are already happening through the schools, we need to continue doing that. The people are there, the the creativity there, the the work is being done, they just need they need more support and more funding.

SPEAKER_01 13:42

Well, I want to give you both a chance to share um what else do you want people to know? I mean, this is something that has gotten national news. And even, you know, some of us that live in the triangle area are getting messages from people saying, Are you okay? And not realizing, you know, the makeup of our state. But at the same time, I do think it's something that, you know, what else do you want people to know about your communities, but also where you are right now and what needs to happen?

SPEAKER_03 14:13

So I I think for me, the we kind of touched on it, the resounding um impact that our public schools have on our communities, that they're a hub, that they serve an important resource for our communities, for our nation, and that we need to do everything we can to protect our public schools. Public schools are on the ballot, and uh we need to make sure that we are electing officials that are supporting public schools. Public schools are the foundation of our democracy. If we lose public schools, we will, our democracy will be in jeopardy and we cannot afford that. So just you know, using an opportunity like this to highlight how essential our public schools are in any way, shape, or form when it comes to disasters, when it comes to national tragedies. But this is an opportunity for us to just really give really clear examples of what public schools do, what public school teachers and leaders do that impacts the greater community. And that is something as a democracy that we just need to really highlight and shout out and make sure that we are doing everything we can to protect public schools.

SPEAKER_01 15:25

Thank you. Representative Prater, do you want to add anything?

SPEAKER_02 15:31

Yes, thank you. So I I absolutely agree. I think that this highlights the importance of public schools. I think it it highlights the importance of um of choosing leaders who uh who are uh advocating for their region, who are advocating for schools, and who whether, you know, even if they don't understand the issues that schools are facing, people who are willing to reach out and ask those questions to make sure that they do understand. Uh, you know, our public schools are where students learn about how to build a climate-resilient community. They are where students learn about the different jurisdictions of the different levels of government and and how government responds to disasters. There's just so many real-world examples here of why it's so important that we have students and community members who are informed and educated and feel connected to their community. And those are all things that that our public schools do.

SPEAKER_01 16:27

Thank you. And in closing, I just want to give you each a chance to share what gives you hope, knowing you've just lived a month and a week that I don't know that anyone could have ever predicted. And just I can't even imagine how long every day seemed. Um, but here you are sharing all these beautiful stories and even able to analyze what the needs are and just always sharing, you know, what kids and families need and what's important to them. So I'd love to ask you what gives you hope. Representative Prater.

SPEAKER_02 17:05

The response that I have seen from the community here in Bongcom County is what gives me hope. Uh, you know, you always like to think that you live in a community that's close and that can come together during a disaster, but unfortunately you don't really know until until the time comes. And so I was I was relieved and reassured to see people be able to put differences aside um and and work together just as neighbors to help people get the information that they needed. Uh I also within like the first week of the disaster, I was on a video call with some um sustainability and resilience officers from cities across the country, New Orleans, Montpelier, Vermont, Colorado, places that had gone through disasters similar to us. And um and that conversation gave me a lot of hope. Uh we have, you know, we a lot of people were just talking about how if if we do this right, we can we can build an even stronger community than we had before. And so knowing the the heart and the dedication of the people that live here, uh, and knowing that these people, you know, that we all plan to stay and and fight for our community and and and rebuild however long it takes, uh that that gives me hope that that we're gonna be okay.

SPEAKER_03 18:17

Dr. Furman. Same. So many of the things that um Representative Prater said, um, a moment of really hope and inspiration came during our bridge learning. We invited high school students to also attend Bridge Learning, but to serve as mentors and be part of the teaching staff. And so we had about 35 high school students that came and served in that role and watching high school students walk, you know, kindergarten kids out to the cars holding their hands, giving, you know, younger students piggyback rides and just stepping up and in that way. It made me so hopeful for future generations um ahead of us, just seeing that love and compassion and caring. And several of those high school students uh came up to me or their other teachers and said, I want to be a teacher now. I can see what makes teaching such a great career. And that was just like, yay. That was just amazing.

SPEAKER_01 19:17

Wow. Well, thank you both for all you're doing. We are so grateful to have leaders like you in the places that you are. I'm sorry you've had to be the leaders that you've had to be recently, but we are so blessed that you were there to support the schools and families and children and just know we won't forget about you. So when you're ready to come back and tell people as you identify next layers of needs and other pieces, please let us know because I think there's a lot of folks out there who realize this is not a short-term need. This is really long term, but it's helpful to hear you say it today and um we'll continue the conversation. Thank you so much. After the break, this week's final word. Wataga High School, located just outside out of Boone, spent four days accounting for every student. Thankfully, they were able to reach each of their 1,647 students. Asheville City Schools were used as resource distribution centers. Ashe County Public Schools opened three emergency distribution centers in their schools and served over 800 hot meals out of a high school parking lot in one afternoon, free for anyone in need. These are just a few examples of how local public schools and educators, even while facing their own serious challenges, stepped up to take care of their communities. It is in these times when people choose to come together to care for their neighbors, that it's most evident that public schools don't just exist within our communities, but they are vital parts of those communities that serve all children and their families. In fact, federal law mandates that students experiencing homelessness, including those displaced after a natural disaster, have the right to enroll immediately in the local public schools and the community in which they are currently living, even if they do not have the paperwork typically required to enroll. Following Helene, the North Carolina General Assembly approved a $273 million preliminary relief package and then a subsequent $604 million in relief funds, including $5 million for replacing school technology and $5 million. million to repair or replace food nutrition equipment, food, and food nutrition supplies for schools. While these are substantial steps toward repairing the region, early estimates of damage and needs totaled over $53 billion. 31 public school districts in Western North Carolina were directly impacted by Helene, affecting about 76,000 children. In late October, many schools in the region reopened following closures due to infrastructure damage, loss of resources, and major transportation obstacles. In some areas, not all of these issues have been completely addressed, causing schools to make adjustments such as delayed bus schedules and using alternative water sources. Schools are now walking the delicate line of remaining aware of and sensitive to the mental and emotional impact such a tragedy can have on students while also trying to minimize academic loss. As COVID recovery demonstrated just a few years ago, unexpected interruption of classroom instruction can majorly set students back, but so can trauma. Included in the second round of Alif Relief was $5 million to address the mental health needs of public school students and their families in the region. For some students, just being back with their peers can go a long way toward easing some of the mental strain they're currently facing, while others will need a little extra care from their educators and school support staff. Local public schools are here to serve students on both ends of that spectrum, as well as those who fall somewhere in between. One of the greatest strengths of our local public schools remain their responsibility and willingness to serve every child and their families. Local public schools serve over 75% of North Carolina's children. And as Western North Carolina public schools have demonstrated that service does not end in times of adversity. Our local public schools care about their communities because they are part of those communities, whether that be as the largest employer in the county, the place that brings people together through athletics and the arts or simply as neighbors. Let's honor that care and service by continuing to support our neighbors in the West and our local public schools statewide. Thank you for taking time with us to learn and think about education. That's all for today and we'll see you next week