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Superintendent outlines summer facilities work, staffing gaps and pending federal grants
Summary
Superintendent Martin reported July 29 on construction and repair work across district schools — including secure‑entry work at Kingwood Elementary, retaining‑wall considerations at Aurora, HVAC and gym repairs — and told the board the district expects Title II/III/IV federal grant releases. He also flagged challenges filling licensed plumber and special‑education positions.
Superintendent Mister Martin summarized the district’s summer work and staffing status at the July 29 Preston County Board of Education meeting, detailing construction progress, maintenance priorities and anticipated federal funding.
Why it matters: Facilities work and staffing directly affect school readiness and student services for the coming year. The superintendent’s report outlined where construction crews are working, which repairs remain open and what staffing shortages the district is actively addressing.
Facilities and construction: Martin said contractors Thrasher and Veritas began project work at Kingwood Elementary and that Veritas would be on site with a door and hardware representative to finalize secure‑entry installation. He described plans for a temporary visitor entry point and a remote doorbell until controlled entry is operational: “We have already had the office area vacated… the temporary entry point for visitors will be at the exterior door leading from the top of the ramp,” he said.
At Aurora the district is seeking vendors to assess a retaining wall; several firms suggested the exterior building may need demolition before wall work can proceed. Brewston needs berm and parking repairs and Central Preston is troubleshooting a chiller unit. At Preston High School the district plans restroom divider installation, roof leak repairs in the vocational wing, AC line work in the fine‑arts area and turf field grooming ahead of athletics.
Staffing and operations: Mrs. Varner reported openings in service and professional positions; while many roles are filling quickly, the district is having particular difficulty finding a certified plumber because the job requires a state plumber’s license. She said the district is using MOUs with outside providers (Best Life Therapy and others) and pursuing alternate certification to address special‑education vacancies.
Federal grants and training: Martin said the district received notification that federal 21st Century (and Title II, III, IV) grants are expected to be released soon after prior delays. He also previewed a principals’ academy and staff training schedule leading into the year.
What’s next: Staff will continue contracting and repairs through the start of school and report back on significant procurements or persistent staffing gaps. The board asked for follow‑up on long‑open maintenance items and for timelines on major projects.
