Hilliard City Schools opens its doors Aug. 19, welcoming all students back for the first day of the 2026-27 school year after a derecho downed trees and knocked out power across the district nine days ago.

Every building across the 60-square-mile district starts on the same day. At Hilliard Davidson High School, doors open at 7:10 a.m. with first period at 7:40 a.m. Middle schoolers at Memorial Middle School enter at 7:45 a.m., with classes beginning at 7:55 a.m. The district is encouraging families to build in extra commute time during the first week.

The district posted its official welcome announcement Aug. 18, asking families to share first-day photos on social media using the hashtag #HCSD1.

Getting here wasn't simple

A derecho packing 82-mph winds tore through Hilliard and surrounding communities Aug. 10-11, downing trees and knocking out power across neighborhoods including Darby Glen, Beacon, Scioto Farms, Brookfield Village and Hyde Park. Public Service Director Kyle Hoyng told Fox 28 Columbus on Aug. 12 that crews focused first on clearing arterial roads before moving into residential areas.

"The priority was definitely trying to open roads up and make sure vehicles were able to kind of get through through the different arterials," Hoyng said.

While neighboring Upper Arlington delayed its school start because of storm damage, Hilliard's Aug. 19 date held firm. As we reported Aug. 16, the district confirmed no schedule change despite the damage.

Safety prep two days before opening

On Aug. 17, the district conducted its annual Safety Training Day in partnership with the Hilliard Division of Police and Norwich Township Fire Department. Emergency personnel staged at Hoffman Trails Elementary School, with training exercises at Hilliard Darby High School. Heritage Middle School was also closed to the public during the drills.

The district said the exercises bring together school staff, law enforcement and emergency responders to practice coordinated responses to emergency situations.

A meet-the-teacher event ran Monday evening as well, with Hilliard Crossing Elementary hosting families from 5-6:30 p.m.

What's ahead

Student iPads will be distributed at Memorial Middle School over the first three days. Weaver Middle School holds Picture Day on Aug. 21. Davidson High School's Club Fair and Open House are both set for Aug. 26, with the open house running 6-8 p.m. The Hilliard City Schools Board of Education meets for a work session Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Central Office.