Robbinsville – Students in sixth grade during the 2021-22 school year need to be prepared to move.
Graham County Schools facilities director Kevin White gave an update at the Nov. 3 board of education meeting on the construction of the new middle school wing, which will allow the sixth grade to move from Robbinsville Elementary School to Robbinsville Middle School. White reported that construction is targeted to begin in March 2021 and wrap up in March 2022.
White said that notice to bidders for the project have been distributed. Bidders have until 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, to return their offers and bids will be presented at the next board meeting, which is Tuesday, Dec. 1.
Also at the meeting:
* Robbinsville High School Principal David Matheson said the first quarter of the year ended with 135 students failing at least one class. However, since Graham Schools went on a three-week sabbatical due to the county’s COVID-19 outbreak, the second quarter was suspended and students were given the chance to improve their grade. By the time report cards were issued, the number of students failing decreased to 48.
* Robbinsville Middle Principal Tonia Walsh reported that 29 students were learning remotely. Robbinsville Elementary Principal Jaime Hooper later added that her institution is averaging 10 students per grade for remote instruction.
* Assistant superintendent Robert Moody said thermal scanners have been installed at all schools. Since the scanners can take the temperatures of 60-70 students per minute, handheld scanners have been eliminated.
* Financial director Lester Greene presented the board with its fiscal year 2021 uniform budget. Of note, operating expenditures and capital outlay totaled $15,300,001.89.