District updates school board on return

Officials from Moore County Schools updated the Moore County Board of Education on Plan A Monday, November 2. The briefing occurred during the board’s Work Session, which took place remotely.

Under Plan A, students in grades K-5 would be able to receive face-to-face instruction four days per week. Wednesdays would be remote learning days for the youngsters. The transition – approved by the school board October 12 – would start January 5, 2021, the beginning of the second semester.

If approved by the governor, the district would also move to Plan A for students in grades 6-12 at some point in the second semester.

As part of the strategy, all students and staff will continue to wear masks, daily health screenings will take place, but minimal social distancing would be the norm in classrooms, during lunch and on school busses.

All families needing transportation for the second semester must make formal requests. To submit such a request, parents can visit the district’s website or call the Moore County Schools Transportation Department.

Earlier in the meeting, district representatives discussed 2020-21 school improvement plans for Aberdeen Elementary, Cameron Elementary, Carthage Elementary, Elise Middle School, Highfalls Elementary, Pinehurst Elementary and Pinecrest High, Robbins Elementary, Southern Middle School, Southern Pines Elementary and West Pine Middle School.

The district will recommend the school board consider a motion to approve the improvement plans at next week’s meeting.

It was advised by district staff, regarding the sale of Aberdeen Primary School, that an offer by the Pinecrest Wrestling Club Sandcats be accepted. Under the offer’s terms, the organization would pay $120,000 for the property.

In a report on current construction projects, it was revealed that the principal at Southern Pines Elementary is working at the new school and that Monteith Construction has received 90 percent of the amount due. The project has not called for usage of any contingency or inflation funds. The school will open to students on Jan. 5, 2021.

Monteith Construction is 93 percent paid for the addition and renovation at North Moore High. A ribbon-cutting is slated for November 18.

For work at Pinehurst Elementary, Thomas Construction has been paid 60 percent of the total due. No contingency or inflation funds have been used for the project.

File photo of Moore County Board of Education Chair Libby Carter by Sandhills Sentinel Photographer John Patota.

~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Dave Lukow.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email