Dear Parents, Students, and Staff:

Although our preference is to have all buildings open and all students in class, our top priority is the safety of each student and staff member. The decision to close school or release students early is never easy to make and never made lightly. Friday’s choice to dismiss all schools took into consideration several factors, including:

• Seven schools do not have air conditioning;
• Early morning temperatures in several classrooms were high and projected to rise; and
• Secondary students are often caregivers of younger siblings and/or other students.

In each instance of a weather related school closing or unscheduled early dismissal, we must also decide whether or not to cancel after-school activities. The closing of school does not automatically result in the cancellation of events. Instead, we consider them on a case-by-case basis. In this instance, we decided to restrict outdoor practices, but did allow for indoor practices, particularly when occurring in air-conditioned facilities. Additionally, we looked ahead to weekend activities and made changes to scheduled practice and game times to avoid the hottest part of the day.

For Cedar Cliff High School, Friday’s early dismissal followed a safe reopening of the building this week. By early Wednesday afternoon, Compliance Management International (CMI) reported back to the District that the air samples taken at Cedar Cliff, as well as the Administration Center, Fairview, Highland, Hillside, Lower Allen, New Cumberland, Rossmoyne, Washington Heights, and the Transportation Center were all normal.

Atypical results were found at Allen in two areas, and in a single area at Crossroads, Red Land, and Red Mill. CMI has since conducted visual inspections to determine if fungal growth was present and areas of concern were immediately addressed following CMI’s recommended course of action. As a result, CMI has not indicated a need for any further action at this time. However, we are in the process of securing an outside contractor to address the unused room in the basement at Allen, which we believe can be safely remediated without interruption to the normal schedule. Parents with specific questions about CMI’s findings may contact us for more details.

The issues faced recently are excellent reminders of the importance of our facilities and the systems that support them. As you may be aware, the District is currently conducting a feasibility study to determine our future building needs based on projected enrollments. The study will create a prioritized list of needs which in turn will be used to develop an actionable plan to address those needs in the most effective manner possible. At the core of our instructional needs is an unrelenting resolve to ensure every single student in the West Shore School District has the benefit of learning in a climate-controlled environment by the time this plan has been fully executed.

The District and Board of School Directors have been steadfast and unified in providing the best possible education for our students, while establishing and maintaining long-term fiscal stability. At this week’s Board meeting, an update on the progress of the feasibility study will be shared, and as always you are invited to join us. If you are unable to attend, please check upcoming Board agendas, and watch for communications this fall seeking your input. We look forward to working with all members of the District community to develop and achieve a shared vision of excellence for West Shore students.

Sincerely,

Todd Stoltz, Superintendent of Schools