CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The future of Fayette County’s largest school apparently hinges on an engineer’s report.
State School Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano told members of a legislative committee Monday the structural report on Collins Middle School in Oak Hill is imminent. Del. Dave Perry (D-Fayette) said parents have heard rumors their children are going to be shipped throughout the county because Collins will have to close.
A portion of the school, including the gym, wellness center and some adjacent classrooms, were closed indefinitely last month after an engineer found issues with the structure. The rest of the building has been examined in recent days.
Perry said it has been difficult to get information because the Fayette County school system is under state control.
“Parents don’t know where to go for help,” Perry told Martirano. “The local board of education has been castrated. They have no say over what goes on in the county with the exception of personnel and policy.”
Martirano told Perry Collins students have been contacting him via Twitter wondering what’s going to happen with their building. Martirano said the message will be communicated.
“We have had correspondence with the local superintendent (Dr. Serena Starcher) to insure that she is meeting with the constituents and the communications were effectively transmitted to the parents as well as the students,” Martirano said.
Collins Middle School is Fayette County’s largest school with approximately 875 students.