Community Bulletin
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BUCKHANNON — Upshur County Schools learned it has received as $648,243 School Building Authority Grant to replace the roof on Union Elementary School.
Once again, the School Building Authority (SBA) of West Virginia and the Upshur County School System have worked together to secure funding in order to assure that all Upshur County students will attend school in facilities that are functional, safe, healthy and attractive.
The SBA awarded Upshur County Schools a $648,243 grant to replace the roof at Union Elementary School. The major improvement project will allow for the continued advancement of the facility goals of both the SBA and Upshur County School Board.
UES Principal Michelle Fleming said, “The Leadership Team of Union Elementary School is very pleased to hear the great news of our roof replacement project. The new roof will ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff of Union Elementary School. We truly appreciate and are thankful of all those who helped make this possible. Union Elementary School is an incredible school and we want to ensure that all aspects of our facilities ensure a safe, welcoming environment for all members of our learning community.”
“We can’t wait until the youth leagues can begin using our gym, girl scouts meeting in our cafeteria, and many other community events that our school loves to offer,” she added.
This project was developed to improve upon some issues related to health and safety. While reroofing may not be appear to be health- and safety-related, the wet, stained ceiling tile, and continual leaks were the impetus in Upshur County’s determination to seek funding for this project.
Superintendent Dr. Sara Lewis-Stankus stated, “Though Upshur County Schools maintains preventive care of their aging buildings as much as funds and staffing permit, the roof condition at our newest school, Union Elementary, built in 1988, reflects the need for new school buildings. This past year, we collected data regarding priorities for the 2020-2030 Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan.”
“This 10-year plan will guide the future facility priorities for our county. We have always recognized the importance of Career Technical Education in Upshur County. Through surveys, forums and other methods, community stakeholders shared their desire to support a state of the art, comprehensive career technical (CTE) high school that would offer CTE courses for students during the day and evening classes for adults. Additionally, the CEFP includes major improvements to all schools in the county,” she said.
Upshur County Schools are very appreciative of the working relationship with the School Building Authority and the funding it has provided to the county over the past several years. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership.
