VALDOSTA — Valdosta City and Lowndes County school systems announced their plans for classes following a two-day closure caused by Tropical Storm Debby.

Valdosta Schools, which had their first day of classes on Friday before the storm closed schools Monday and Tuesday, will resume classes on Wednesday, Jennifer Steedley, director of public relations for Valdosta City Schools, said Tuesday afternoon.

“After thorough inspections of all VCS facilities, we have determined that we can safely resume operations and begin the 2024-25 school year despite the challenges posed by Tropical Storm Debby,” Steedley said. “Bringing everyone back into our buildings will ensure that students experiencing food insecurity have access to breakfast and lunch, as well as a cool, dry environment.

“We recognize that Tropical Storm Debby has created ongoing difficulties for some,” she said. “However, we believe that reopening our schools will provide essential support to students and their families as we collectively establish new routines for the academic year.

“We appreciate your patience, support, and cooperation as we navigate these unexpected challenges, especially at the start of a school year that already presents its own set of hurdles. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our school system or your child’s school administration team for assistance.”

Lowndes County Schools had not opened for the 2024-25 school year. The storm canceled open houses planned for Monday and Tuesday and the first day of school, which was scheduled Wednesday.

Instead, teachers and staff will return to work Wednesday, the school system said in an email to The Valdosta Daily Times. Elementary, Journey and middle school open houses will take place Thursday at the same times as they were originally scheduled.

Lowndes High School Ignite will be a drop-in event for ninth graders and new students 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday.

The first day of school for students will be Friday.

The Lowndes High Board of Education work session that was planned for Monday has been canceled, but the board’s regular meeting remains scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 12.

Valwood School postponed all of its back-to-school events by one day, the private school said in a social media post Monday.

Senior meeting, new student orientations and open house events will be held Wednesday, convocation will be 8 a.m. Thursday in the gym, and the first day of classes will be Friday.

Georgia Christian School had likewise announced its schedule on Monday. Open house will be held Thursday. Students whose last names start with a letter from A to J will meet in classrooms at 5:30 p.m. All students will meet in the gym at 6:15 for welcome remarks, packet pickup and pictures. Students whose last names start with a letter from K to Z will go to classrooms at 6:40 p.m.

Georgia Christian will hold its first day of school on Friday. All students should gather in the gymnasium at 8 a.m.