Classroom Problems Abound on First Day
Heat, Flooding Put a Damper On Start Of School Year
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WHEELING -- Oppressive heat and the lack of air conditioning on the top floor at Ritchie Elementary School have fourth- and fifth-grade students starting the new school year in classrooms at nearby Wheeling Middle School.
The high temperatures -- as well as flooding issues on Sunday at Bridge Street Middle School, Triadelphia Middle School and Steenrod Elementary School -- put a steamy damper on the return to the classroom in Ohio County this morning, and were discussed as board of education members convened for a special meeting to approve last-minute teacher hirings.
"The children at Ritchie Elementary School -- we have some cooling concerns for the third floor. So we wanted to accommodate those children in the fourth and fifth grades, and they will be bused to Wheeling Middle School," Superintendent Kim Miller told board members.
They still will start their day at Ritchie School "for continuity," she said. After a day of classes in the Wheeling Middle School building, they will be transported back to Ritchie School for dismissal.
About 100 students will be affected, according to Miller. She and maintenance director Brian Harto said it could take up to two weeks for the air conditioning problems to be rectified, but they are hopeful the classrooms can be cooled sooner.
In the interim, Wheeling Middle School Principal Rich McArdle is making preparations to accommodate the students, according to Miller.
Ritchie Elementary School is presently undergoing an $8 million renovation project, which includes an upgrade of the air conditioning system in the building.
Harto met Sunday with contractor Nello Construction of Pittsburgh on Sunday on how the classrooms could be cooled as the air conditioners are installed, and he wasn't the only school district employee called into action on Sunday.
He said many employees with Ohio County Schools came out on Sunday after heavy rains forced water issues at Triadelphia Middle School and Steenrod Elementary School, as well as at Bridge Street Middle School.
"The deluge just backed up drains," he said. "It caused some water leakage in doorways, and backed up some floor drains. So all the places were cleaned (Sunday), and they should be dried out and ready to go today."
School board members approved the hirings of Olivia Blazer as an English/language arts teacher at the Warwood School; and Amber Loew as a kindergarten teacher at Madison Elementary School.
They also approved the purchase of a new dump truck for the school district at $45,150. Harto said the vehicle should arrive today, and will replace a 1998 dump truck.