Good Afternoon,
Yesterday, (Friday, January 31st, 2025) at our Anna Jarvis Elementary School, just as/after our students were already arriving, we were informed that a water leak had been discovered and that the crew working on repairs anticipated the situation would be resolved in fairly short order. Given that anticipated brief timeline, the decision was made to keep the school open and proceed with instruction, etc., while keeping in close contact with the progress being made.
Unfortunately, as time passed, and due to no small effort by them, even the utilities workers discovered that the repairs required additional time. As a result, the decision was made to dismiss students, and our transportation quickly rallied our buses to transport AJES student home early. In addition, while waiting for our buses to arrive, lunches were also served.
On behalf of myself and the Taylor County Board of Education, I want to assure everyone that, contrary to what we have been seeing on social media, at no time was anyone without or denied bottled drinking water, nor were they denied access to necessary rest room utilities or their health placed at risk.
In addition, I want to assure everyone that we do have the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff in mind at all times, and I appeal to anyone feeling driven to add unsubstantiated and or speculative entries to the social media frenzy not to do so as it can create confusion, fear, and chaos that helps no one. I trust the individuals charged with protecting our schools and encourage everyone to join me in this, both in times of regular calm as well as during extenuating challenges such as occurred yesterday.
Thank you to those upon whom we can rely to continue to help keep our schools safe.
Sincerest Best Regards,
Dr. John E. Stallings, Jr., Superintendent
