Board praises emergency response after Western Port flooding, thanks staff and community partners

At the May 27 meeting the Allegany County Board of Education read a formal letter expressing thanks to school staff, emergency responders and community partners for their response to recent flash flooding that affected Western Port and nearby communities.

Board member Dr. Vaughn read the letter on behalf of the full board, saying the events in May “tested our communities and in particular our school system in ways we could scarcely imagine.” The letter singled out principals at Western Port Elementary, Westmore Middle and George's Creek Elementary, the district’s superintendent and central staff, police and fire personnel who conducted rescues, teachers, kitchen staff, janitors and maintenance workers, bus drivers and volunteers for “courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication.”

The letter also thanked Frostburg State University and the Frostburg community for offering campus facilities and food services to help displaced students continue their school year. Dr. Vaughn noted that students had been temporarily sheltered at Mountain Ridge High School and that community partners “opened their arms” to support displaced students.

Why it matters: the board’s statement formalizes district appreciation and signals continued coordination with local partner institutions on recovery and student needs. The board said recovery will be long and pledged ongoing support for affected schools and families.

Dr. Vaughn asked the community to carry forward the example of cooperation shown in the response and closed the remarks by thanking district staff “from the bottom of our hearts.”

The board did not take policy action on recovery funding at this meeting but noted that cleanup and repair needs are ongoing and that the district will provide updates as recovery work continues.