District outlines lead-remediation hurdles under "Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids" program
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Summary
Facilities director John Lowe reported lead-based paint findings at multiple Clinton City Schools buildings and described remediation challenges including removal or sealing of lockers and replacement of windows, the need to hire certified contractors and the likelihood the district will need to front costs before program reimbursement.
John Lowe, Clinton City Schools' director of operations, updated the board on the "Clean Classrooms for Carolina Kids" lead remediation work and other facilities projects during the Oct. 16 meeting.
Lowe said lead-based paint was identified in lockers at Sampson Middle School and in older cabinetry at LC Carr; the district has restricted access to identified lockers (zip-tied) and is considering removal or covering and repainting as intermediate measures. "One of the places they found lead based paint was in all the lockers," Lowe said, noting removal or remediation will require certified lead renovators and contractors and will take time.
He told the board the program reimburses roughly two-thirds of certain work but warned the district will likely need to outlay funds up front and then submit documentation to receive reimbursement. Lowe described schedule constraints (material lead times and the need to avoid disrupting instruction) and said some remediation work may occur during holiday break or next summer.
Other project notes Lowe provided: curtain-wall or window replacement work at Sunset Elementary (recommended to support weatherization and future HVAC upgrades), restroom privacy stall installation updates and parking-lot striping to improve event logistics. He said smaller items (stall dividers, striping) were recently completed while larger projects face material and scheduling delays.
Lowe asked board members to be aware of the timeline and funding flow for larger remediation projects and noted the district is actively identifying contractors certified for lead work in the region.