North Augusta School Board Addresses Urgent Repairs and Celebrates Student Achievements

North Augusta’s School Board Meeting: A Day of Recognition and Repairs

On a sunny day in North Augusta, where temperatures reached a pleasant 83°F with clear skies, the Aiken County School Board gathered on October 22, 2024, for another important meeting. As usual, it was a mix of serious discussions and uplifting recognitions, shining a spotlight on both school repairs and student achievements.

Urgent Repairs at Mossy Creek Elementary

One major topic was the significant repairs needed at Mossy Creek Elementary School, which is situated at 421 West Five Notch Road and has been serving the community since its opening in 2002. With around 735 students and 42 dedicated staff members, this school has always been a cornerstone for local families.

The district’s Chief Officer of Operations & Student Services, Dr. Tim Yarborough, reported that the school is facing a hefty repair bill of over $2 million due to faulty design and construction practices. “When the wall system was built, mistakes crept into both the design and construction processes,” explained Dr. Yarborough. “What we found is that the interior wall cavity wasn’t correctly flashed, which allowed for condensation build-up inside the walls.”

He elaborated, saying that this moisture issue led to some troubling signs, including efflorescence, a chalky substance caused by the chemicals in the concrete blocks. “Our plan is to strip back the brick veneer, install the proper flashing, and then put it all back together,” Dr. Yarborough stated.

With a projected timeline of about 18 months to complete the work, the repairs will be conducted in phases so that the disruption to students and classes is minimized. This approach ensures that the work can be done while keeping safety and education as top priorities. The board also learned that the contract to carry out these repairs would be awarded to H.G. Reynolds Company, a local firm.

A Celebration of Student Excellence

While repairs were a heavy topic, the evening wasn’t without joy. The school board took time to applaud two standout students who have made significant achievements. Jave Mendez Perez, a 10th-grade student from Ridge Spring/Monetta Middle-High School, won first place in the Carolina Canvas Awards Visual Art and Creative Writing Contest, aimed specifically at multilingual learners.

Pictured alongside board members and educators, Jave beamed with pride as Superintendent Dr. Corey Murphy and board members celebrated his creativity and talent. “It’s incredible to see our students thrive and gain recognition not just locally but also across state lines,” said board chair Cameron Nuessle.

In another highlight, Caleb Rojas Bohn, a ninth-grader from Aiken Scholars Academy, was recognized as a Gold Medal Finalist at the S.C. Future Farmers of America State Convention. He presented an impressive agricultural experience project from his eighth grade, showcasing his leadership and community involvement.

A Fond Farewell

The meeting also came with a bittersweet note as Dr. Patricia Hanks, a valued member of the board, announced she would not be seeking re-election. Board members and attendees showered her with applause for her dedication and service. “You have truly made an impact on our educational community,” expressed board member Brian Silas.

Looking Ahead

As the board wrapped up the evening, it was clear that this meeting captured the essence of the community—supporting our schools while recognizing the bright stars among our students. From dealing with pressing repairs to celebrating achievements, the Aiken County School Board continues to champion the future of education in North Augusta.