District leaders raise custodial, facilities and summer‑schedule problems as repairs and projects approach

Several school leaders urged the Hardy County Schools board to prioritize facility work this summer after recurring complaints about dingy bathroom grout and persistent wear in older buildings.

What was presented: Administrators described routine cleaning schedules and periodic deep cleans but said grout and tile discoloration in high‑use bathrooms are not resolved by ordinary maintenance and may require pressure‑washing, regrouting or targeted capital work. The district is moving forward with a canopy/entryway concrete pour and flooring work in the Pilgrims Building and solar‑walk projects near the front of at least one campus.

Staffing and calendar timing: School leaders said governor‑issued proclamation days and returned paid days have created a cluster of nonwork days that fall into June; custodial staff who are eligible for additional days off could leave multiple June workdays short-staffed unless the board adjusts schedules or authorizes substitutes. Administrators suggested retroactive nonwork‑day bookkeeping where substitutes were not available, or explicit start‑of‑year guidance on whether the district will follow future governor proclamations.

Quotes: One principal said the bathroom grout "just looks dingy" despite cleaning attempts; another noted the building is “starting to show its age” and asked the board to consider pressure washing or regrouting.

Budget and next steps: No specific dollar requests were made at the meeting; administrators asked the board and facilities staff to scope the bathroom work (pressure wash vs. regrout) and to confirm summer staffing coverage plans so flooring contractors can begin work in July. Board members agreed to evaluate options and return with recommended next steps and cost estimates.