To the Editor:
To all who have been interested or concerned with the fate of the South Egremont School, here is a parent perspective of where things stand. We want to set the record straight, as there have been many inaccuracies in recent reports:
Common procedure dictated that all facets of the newly renovated South Egremont School building were to be inspected, following its completion in summer 2018.
Results indicated that:
- There is no asbestos.
- The air quality is not an issue.
- The soil is not an issue.
Higher-than-state-allowed lead levels were found in several samples on the interior and exterior of the building.
This last test took longer than expected, and unfortunately, due to ongoing political disagreements between the Southern Berkshire Regional District (SBRSD) and the Town of Egremont, questions of remediation (and financial obligations towards that end) have delayed a date of entry into the building for our students.
However, to say that the South Egremont School remains closed is not true. The building is closed, but not the school. The program is up and running, in temporary housing at the Undermountain campus in Sheffield. Lead teacher, Sarah Cooke, and her assistant, Norma Drumm, have been the solid and stable forces on whom our children have come to depend. We are also very fortunate and grateful for Principal Charles Miller and his continuous efforts in advocating for our kids and encouraging us to keep a positive outlook. They have been stalwart in their dedication to the children throughout the challenge of being in a temporary location, and with all the miscommunication that abounds. Not only do they bear the normal, everyday responsibilities we so admire in early educators, but they also have had the added burden of keeping our kids confident and upbeat in an ambiguous transition time.
Our kids are resilient, but they ask questions. Communication has been confusing, and often lacking, between the various bodies in decision-making positions in this process.
The South Egremont School is a jewel of our community and district, and while it is currently flourishing in its temporary status, we know it can only reach its full potential when the children can occupy their permanent space.
We hope the issues that are delaying this from happening will be resolved swiftly, for the sake of our children.
Danile Kelly and Sarah Blaugrun
South Egremont
The writers are members of the South Egremont Parent Teachers Organization.
