Asheville Schools Set to Reopen with Enhanced Safety Measures Amid Ongoing Changes

Asheville Schools Preparing for Reopening

Asheville City, a bustling area known for its vibrant community and picturesque landscapes, is gearing up for an exciting development in the world of education. The Asheville City Schools district has set its sights on welcoming students back into the classroom by Monday, October 28. Superintendent Maggie Fehrman shared this hopeful message during a recent Buncombe County media briefing, where she conveyed, “We hope that we can do that sooner, but we wanted to give our parents the date that we are working toward.” However, it’s important to keep in mind that this date might change based on numerous factors still in play.

Safety Measures are Key

As the district prepares to reopen, the safety and health of students and staff remain a top priority. Fehrman pointed out the most critical needs for a safe return to school, noting the importance of having either flushing toilets or portable toilets, coupled with well-placed hand-washing stations throughout the campuses. In a proactive step, the district has reached out to the county to order necessary equipment from the state to facilitate these installations at every school.

The district is also taking steps to ensure a reliable water supply. To do this, the Asheville City Schools have made arrangements to begin drilling wells at each school site. “Some schools will be able to manage things on one well, and several schools may need two wells per campus,” Fehrman explained, highlighting the ambitious goal of drilling between eight to ten wells across the nine-school district.

The Cost of Safety

While the cost of these wells is estimated to run about $100,000 each, both Fehrman and district spokesperson Kim Dechant are optimistic about receiving funding support from FEMA. They see this initiative as a direct response to an ongoing emergency, ensuring that students have access to safe drinking water once schools are back in session.

As of now, the district has already received permits for four wells. A successful drilling took place at Hall Fletcher Elementary, where groundwater was discovered at a depth of 465 feet, offering the potential for a well that could produce 20 gallons of water per minute. However, Fehrman cautioned that it could take two to three weeks before the drilled water can be successfully used in schools. She remains hopeful that the schools will remain operationally functional even if the municipal water supply is still in flux.

Plans Are in Motion

In addition to the well-drilling efforts, Fehrman expressed that portable toilets and handwashing stations will provide interim solutions while schools work towards full operational status. Furthermore, to maximize resources and ensure safety, elementary school principals have been meeting to potentially consolidate student populations into buildings that currently have access to water systems, whether from a municipal source or a newly drilled well.

As the situation evolves, the district is committed to keeping parents and students informed. Fehrman reassured everyone that there would be a 72-hour notice for when a firm reopening date is confirmed. Families have already been proactively supported through the establishment of a resource center at the William Randolph campus on Montford Avenue and bridge-to-learning activities scheduled at specific elementary schools.

Community Support Continues

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., meals are available for pickup, ensuring that students continue to receive nutritious food during this transitional period. As the Asheville City Board of Education continues to meet and discuss the logistics of reopening and the well-digging program, the community remains united in its efforts to support the educational needs of its children.

With all these plans in motion, it seems that the Asheville community is coming together stronger than ever, demonstrating resilience and dedication to providing safe and effective educational environments for students and staff alike. As always, stay tuned for updates as we look forward to seeing students back in classrooms soon.