School District faces scrutiny over pesticide concerns near Aberdeen Elementary School

The Moore County School Board held a special called meeting on June 30, 2025, to address pressing concerns regarding the Aberdeen Elementary School site and its proximity to a pesticide dump. The meeting focused on clarifying misconceptions about the environmental safety of the school grounds.

A key discussion point involved a letter dated May 12, 2025, from Richard Brown of Building an Earth, which was referenced by a board member. The letter indicated that long-term monitoring would be necessary to assess the potential movement of pesticides from the dump site, located approximately half a mile from the school. However, it was emphasized that the letter did not pertain directly to the Aberdeen Elementary School site itself.

The speaker, who reviewed extensive data from the area, asserted that tests conducted at the school site revealed no presence of pesticides from the dump. Eight separate borings were analyzed, confirming the absence of contaminants. Despite this, the speaker expressed concern over the lack of transparency from Moore County Schools regarding the situation, which has led to public distrust.

The speaker urged the board to take proactive steps in addressing these environmental concerns, suggesting that failure to do so could result in external regulatory agencies becoming involved. They highlighted the importance of either confirming the safety of the site or establishing a monitoring plan to ensure ongoing safety.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion and investigation into the matter, emphasizing the need for the school board to take decisive action to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of students and staff at Aberdeen Elementary School.