Chuck Hughes, Board of Education
♦ I had the opportunity to visit Woodleaf Elementary school recently. As with Cleveland Elementary, I was impressed with the dedication of Woodleaf’s staff and the mutual respect between students and teacher.
Although the concrete-block walls have some cracks, they are cheerfully painted. Overhead, previously added electrical and tech wiring are not enclosed within the ceilings, some of which were lowered sometime in the past. However, this does not seem to be a major distraction for staff or student.
The school proper is a spread out more than one would like and is land-locked between houses, roads and a cemetery. This would likely compromise any significant school expansion. The location of the gymnasium is inconveniently separated from the main building making student access uncomfortable in inclement weather. Despite the school’s capital needs, the maintenance crew has been diligent in keeping the aged building safe and functional.
Most of the limited parking options are unpaved. Some are located at the edge of a hillside sloop that makes getting in or out of the vehicle from the passenger side difficult.
One of the school’s major issues is its dependence on well water. However, septic system issues trump this concern.
As I was leaving, students rotated to the one-line cafeteria for lunch. As they passed, some stepped out of line to give me a high-five and to hug their principal. It was obvious to me that they were in competent, loving hands.
