BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Raleigh County Schools Superintendent Dr. Serena Starcher will be interviewed by the West Virginia School Building Authority (SBA) Monday morning to request over $2 million in funding for a water line upgrade at Woodrow Wilson High School.
According to the West Virginia SBA, Raleigh County Schools is requesting up to $2,069,526 in SBA funding for water line replacement at Woodrow Wilson High School and Academy of Careers Technical Center.
These funds will be used in partnership with a local contribution from the Raleigh County Board of Education of $2,069,526 for a total project cost of $4,139,052.
According to the SBA, the water supply line at Woodrow Wilson High School was installed in 1965 when the school was constructed and is made of asbestos cement pipes. The pipes are aging and deteriorating, causing concerns.
Raleigh County proposes to replace the entire main water supply line, which serves not only the high school but also the adjoining Academy of Careers and Technology vocational school.
Replacing the water line would address a critical health and safety need at both facilities, according to the SBA.
Upon completion of the superintendent’s interviews on November 13 and 14, 2023, the SBA Staff will compile all information gathered in the discussions, site visits, and correspondence to make calculated, funding recommendations to the full Authority in the December 11, 2023 quarterly meeting.Â