Cherry River Elementary is back after its sudden first day closure

NICHOLAS COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A quick decision by the Nicholas County Board of Education last Thursday forced students and staff at Cherry River Elementary to move from their community to a school more than 10 miles away.

“It was a little hectic getting everything here,” said Heather Sigley, principal of Cherry River Elementary School.

Superintendent Terrence Beam said, “It was a breakneck pace to organize everything and make it feasible for our children.”

Cherry River was immediately closed after the school board reviewed health and safety reports last Thursday.

Students moved into Panther Creek Elementary on Friday and completed take-home assignments during the transition.

Superintendent Beam said flood damage from eight years ago, construction of a new school and recent storms were a concern.

“The leaks have not been serious enough to cancel school until recently. The only health inspection reports that hurt us were the leaks in the kitchen.”

The new school will be built around Cherry River Elementary, leaving blocked windows and no space for a playground.

Beam said a firefighter discovered a lack of sprinklers and exits, as well as a damaged fire alarm system, in a hallway at the school.

The leak has been a problem since 2016, when Richwood’s schools were destroyed and damaged. The recent impact of Hurricane Helene caused leaks in the kitchen that were deemed unsafe by health inspectors.

Regina Thomas, principal of Panther Creek, said her school now has more than 350 students but can accommodate 400. The principals of both schools have worked together to ensure a smooth transition.

“We have enough space here, the kids here will have a playground, they’ll have windows and they’ll meet friends they haven’t seen in a while, so they’re excited,” Regina Thomas said.

Sigley said although the transition was stressful, looking back it was for the best.

“It was one of those situations where they didn’t really have the time to really process what was happening because they’re trying to do what’s best for our kids,” Sigley said.

The new school will accommodate students from Richwood’s middle and high schools, as well as elementary students who recently left the school.

Beam said the elementary school will likely move in first and the construction process should move faster in her absence.

The education department said the facility should be completed by fall next year.

Recent Posts