The first half of the school year is in the books for the Greene County School District, but it didn’t come without its challenges.

Two weeks ago school was delayed one day due to unexpected icy roads and two days last week school was cancelled because of the December derecho storm knocking out power. Superintendent Tim Christensen talks about having to make a sudden decision with the icy road conditions that forced a delayed start.

“In the winter, if you’re not up by 5 o’clock to look out the window or drive and see what’s going on, it’s a challenge. I was a little bit surprised by the ice, just got to be on the edge of your seat and ready to make those calls, and hope that everybody is supportive and understands. Turning 14 year old kids with a school permit out on an icy road for the very first time was a big struggle. That was a big part of the late start.”

Christensen feels they also made the right call cancelling school the last two days of the month before winter break, considering several households within the district still didn’t have power and the bus barn also didn’t have power last Thursday or Friday.

As for the first half of the year, Christensen notes it’s been a challenge with staff and substitute shortages, but he appreciates everyone in the district working through different problems.

“You know everybody’s been working their tail off and (I) really appreciate it. And they’ve made the first part of the school year go well, but believe me they are tired.”  

Students and staff will return for the second half of the school year on January 3rd.