HARMAN, W. Va. — Three months into the school year, some students in Randolph County were able to return to their home school.
Elementary students Pre-K through fifth grade at Harman School arrived Monday for the first time since repairs were made after a significant section of plaster fell from the ceiling in one of the rooms back in July and, after inspection, the building was deemed not safe for children.
“I’m extremely pleased that we have our elementary students back in class in their home school this morning,” Superintendent Terry George said. “I know [the students] were pleased, I know their parents were pleased and I’m certain the community is pleased.”
The roughly 150 students Pre-K to 12th grade began the school year being sent predominately to the Elkins area, a distance of about 25 miles from Harman. With an eye on the coming winter weather, safe transportation was a driving force to get students back as quickly as possible.
“Harman is a tremendous distance from the Elkins area,” George said. “It was good to see those kids go back to their home school prior to inclement weather coming to Randolph County.”
As for returning the remainder of the students, George said many repairs remain.
“We still need to do the repairs to the original 1950 addition of the building which consists of approximately 11 to 12 classrooms that need to be renovated and have the ceilings repaired.”
Pre-firm estimates for renovations for what is referred to as the east wing is estimated in the $140,000 -$150,000 range. Estimates will not be known for the west wing until the east wing has been completed.
While George said the county is continuously searching for sources for funding the repairs, the community contributions have been a tremendous help.
“Community response has been amazing. The resiliency of the people of that community to get out and fund raise and to seek funding from other sources to make contributions to the construction effort is to be commended.”
After the damage was discovered, a fund was established at Grant County Bank for the community to make donations to the repair efforts.
George said the first day back at Harman went smoothly and is confident the transition back to the facility will continue with ease.