The ABSS Board of Education agreed Monday night to forgive the instructional days for students (August 28-Sept 1) missed this week due to mold issues at various schools. Additionally, the rest of this week (August 29th - September 1st) will be designated as optional work days for staff members. The plan will still allow the District to meet the state requirement of 1025 instructional hours for the 2023-2024 school year.
"By forgiving these days, we can keep our calendar the same with our planned spring break and graduation dates. I’m hopeful we won't have severe winter weather that causes more missed days," explained Lowell Rogers, Deputy Superintendent.
Earlier in the day the Board of Education held a special called joint meeting with the Alamance County Commissioners and the County’s state delegation to address the ongoing mold concerns. ABSS is contracting with Builder Services of NC, a commercial mold remediation company based in Raleigh, to complete the work. The company has committed to working 14-16 hour days in order to get the schools ready for students to return on September 5th.
A team of more than 300 workers, with up to 2,000 on standby, will perform mold removal and repairs at Cummings High School, Broadview Middle School, and Williams High School.
The total budget for the project is upwards of $3.5 million, with funds allocated as follows:
- Cummings High School: $1.2 million
- Broadview Middle School: $750,000
- Williams High School: $1.55 million
The remediation project comes after recent environmental tests found issues with poor air quality and mold at the three schools, prompting ABSS to delay the start of the school year.
“We apologize for the delay in school and understand the inconvenience this has caused our families. This has been a learning experience. Know that we are addressing the issue and putting protocols in place to keep something like this from happening in the future,” said Sandy Ellington-Graves, Board Chair. “We’re all invested and want the best for our children. We have to continue to work together.”
Roof Repairs
More than $301,000 is being requested from the District’s capital reserves for roof repairs at Western Alamance High School, Western Middle School, and B. Everett Jordan Roofing projects.
Vacant Board Seat
The Board voted 4 to 2 to move forward on September 12 with discussion to fill the seat left vacant by longtime Board of Education member Patsy Simpson.
“I believe it's an expectation for this Board to fill that seat. We owe this to our community. I have no desire in how we do it whether it's an appointment or application process,” said Donna Westbrooks, Board Member. “This is a priority.”
Athletic Trainers
Only one application has been received for the new athletic trainer positions approved in June. Athletic trainers are being brought on to provide rehabilitation and support for injured student athletes across all high school sports programs.
"Our contractor Stuart Physical Therapy is advertising these positions broadly across the region and contacting local universities. In the interim, some County EMTs and volunteer doctors are helping meet the need," explained Revonda Johnson, Chief Academic Officer.
The District hopes continued outreach and recruiting efforts will help fill these important roles.
$25,000 Donation
The Board agreed to accept a $25,000 donation from the Scott Family and in turn name the Southeast Alamance High School Library in their honor. The family will purchase a plaque that will be located inside the school:
Plaque text: Henry Alvord Scott and his wife, Margaret White Scott, were lifelong supporters of public education in Alamance County. Henry Scott served as a member of the Alamance County Board of Education for 24 years (1938-1962), including several terms as Board Chairman, and Margaret W. Scott was a longtime second grade teacher at Alexander Wilson School.
In their honor and in recognition of their service to this community and beyond, the Henry Alvord and Margaret White Scott family has made a significant gift to fund a portion of the original collection for this media center.
Kenan Fellow Teacher Recognition
Eastlawn Elementary School Exceptional Children’s Teacher Shavon Via was honored by the Board for being selected as one of the 40 outstanding teachers statewide who will be participating in the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership
Via is an Alamance County native and a graduate of ABSS who started as a substitute in 2015. She and the other eight Fellows in her group have been selected to help promote the thousands of jobs available right now in NC in Clean Energy, and to vertically align from K -12, the workforce skills that will enable all students to find successful careers right here at home in our state.
ABSS is proud of the work she is doing, honored to have her on the ABSS Team, and wish her the best in this program.
