Superintendent Dr. John Kirby provided the following update on the Latta Schools:
Currently on our initial assessment we have about $10,0000-$15,000 in damages to roofs and ceilings due to the excessive rainfall and eventual leaks. We have minor structural damage to facilities that amount to $5000-$10,000. We are currently cleaning the rooms and buildings where we had water damage and picking up campus debris in anticipation of return to school as soon as possible. We will be ready with facilities upon reopening of school.
We have electricity at all schools and in most of the community. Many roads and most bridges are still impassable which is the main reason for schools remaining to be closed. My main concern is the structural integrity of the flooded roads and in particular the bridges over the many creeks, swamps, streams and low lying areas we have in our district. These bridges have been put in real distress with so much flood water run off and it will take time by SCDOT to inspect and repair such as the water recedes. SCDOT is already making repairs to bridges in our district that can be accessed.
There was great heed taken by our parents in preparing for this hurricane that saved lives and damages to households and vehicles. And there was a tremendous efffort by local officials to prepare our community for flooding and safety efforts. Now all of the state, national and local personnel and organizations are doing a superb job in the recovery process. Our local law enforcement, fire, emergency, government and utility personnel along with countless volunteers are most responsible for the overwhelming safety success we have had so far in this disaster. As always in times such as these, I am still truly so proud of how individuals and groups in small rural communities like ours reach out and help others in greater need than they personally have.