District leaders told the Harrison County Board of Education that modular classrooms currently leased will be removed on Monday because administrators found indoor space to house the affected teachers, and that district maintenance has completed major tasks so schools can open on schedule.
The superintendent introduced James Kossick, who started as the district's new facilities maintenance supervisor and who said he observed staff pulling together to finish work before the term begins. "Harrison County's got a lot of really good people," Kossick said.
The board heard that toilets and bathroom materials for Liberty arrived and crews were re-installing fixtures so students would not be occupying classrooms with toilets in them. District staff said the modular units at Miller Court Primary will be pulled on Monday and that the district will realize savings by not renewing leases for those modulars.
Maintenance and food-service staff coordinated to move kitchen equipment and ready cafeterias. The district reported that buses needed to open schools — after maintenance work — are ready to go; some buses still require work but the fleet is sufficient for routes, staff said. Administrators also discussed ongoing hiring: interview windows were scheduled for Thursday and Friday to expedite filling remaining positions ahead of the start of school.
Board members praised maintenance, teachers and administrators for the effort to complete last-minute tasks. District staff said Mount Mary Elementary work is behind schedule but utilities have been connected and classrooms (pre-K and kindergarten) will be ready.