Sixth graders from the Suncrest Middle School Annex will have a new home to start the school year due to roof problems that have recently been uncovered.
An investigation into the 10-year-old roof determined a leak developed some time ago that was concealed by the water being absorbed into foam insulation. When the structure was inspected, engineers advised school officials and Deputy Superintendent Donna Talerico that it was not safe to be occupied.
“We have to consider: how do we get our students there safely? How do we get them there safely? How do we have lunch safely?” Talerico told members of the board. “It’s a laundry list of things.”
Officials looked at a couple of options and settled on the former Mylan Pharmaceuticals location, now home to the WVU Innovation Corp.
The location has nearly everything sixth graders need except windows. But it’s proximity to North Elementary School will give the students a playground and a short walk to get outside.
Principal Dawna Hicks said the process has been difficult, but face-to-face meetings with families gave all parties involved confidence that the relocation would be organized, comfortable and secure.
“What I’m calling the Suncrest Middle 2.0, temporary relocation.” Hicks said. “So, everything we do at Suncrest Middle School right now is the same system and process we’ll have in place at this temporary location.”
Monongalia County Schools plans to lease space for nine classrooms, three office areas, a staff restroom and separate bathrooms for boys and girls. The facility has 24-hour security, and while the meals served won’t be hot, they’ll be brought into the former cafeteria for students and staff.
The students will bus as normal to Suncrest Middle School on the first day of classes Tuesday and ride to the Chestnut Ridge Road location on shuttles. In the first few days of the adjustment, teachers will ride the bus with students from Suncrest Middle School to Chestnut Ridge Road.
“Buses will be able to go through,” Monongalia County Schools Executive Director of Facilities Amanda Washington said. “If you’re a visitor, they’ll lead you to a small parking lot, and you’ll go into the main lobby and we’ll have someone there.”
Teacher desks and equipment are being moved to the new location, and teachers are preparing to get the school year started. Hicks said they want to give the teachers time to get organized and invite parents to an open house near the end of August.
“We’re also going to make sure our teachers have enough time to create those classrooms,” Hicks said. “To make them welcoming and inviting before having an open house for those parents.”
