Lucy S. Herring Elementary set for major renovations next year, students to relocate

ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Lucy S. Herring Elementary School in Asheville is set for extensive renovations next year, prompting the relocation of students and staff to other elementary schools within the district.

Education officials have announced that Lucy S. Herring Elementary will be closed for the entire 2024-25 school year to undergo much-needed repairs. The decision comes after a thorough assessment of the building, which is over four decades old and in need of significant upgrades.

Millions of Dollars in Repairs Needed

The planned renovations at Lucy S. Herring Elementary include upgrades to heating and cooling systems, new bathrooms, mechanical systems, ceilings, roofs, windows, kitchen facilities, and a three-tiered security vestibule. The extensive scope of the project also encompasses improvements to classrooms, the media center, playgrounds, the gym, and the cafeteria.

According to Asheville City Schools officials, the repairs are estimated to cost millions of dollars, reflecting the urgent need to modernize the infrastructure of the school to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for students and staff.

Temporary Relocation Plans

With construction set to begin in mid-June and expected to be completed by fall 2025, students and staff of Lucy S. Herring Elementary will be relocated to one of the district’s other four elementary schools for the duration of the 2024-25 school year. This decision was made to ensure minimal disruptions due to potential noise and health hazards during the construction phase.

Asheville City Schools Superintendent, Dr. Maggie Fehrman, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of students and staff throughout the relocation process. “We understand that the relocation will cause inconvenience, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth as possible,” Fehrman stated in a news release.

Inconvenience Mitigation

To facilitate a smooth transition, the district is arranging for parents of Lucy S. Herring students to tour the other elementary schools and make informed decisions for the upcoming school year. Siblings will be placed in the same school to minimize any additional disruptions for families.

Additionally, school staff members are being consulted to determine their preferred school placement for the 2024-25 academic year. Regular updates on the construction progress will be provided to all stakeholders, with a focus on minimizing the impact on students and their families.

Community Collaboration

Asheville City Schools officials are working collaboratively with the community to ensure a successful renovation process and a smooth transition for students and staff. The district is dedicated to maintaining open communication and transparency throughout the project.

For construction updates and additional information, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the Asheville City Schools website.

Stay tuned for further developments on the Lucy S. Herring Elementary renovation project and the temporary relocation plans for students and staff.

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