The Fayette public schools will delay the start of the fall semester until Tuesday, September 1, to remove asbestos found during cleanup from flooding that took place on June 1. Superintendent Brent Doolin made the announcement last week after initially stating that the district’s Board of Education would make the decision during its regular meeting scheduled for tonight (Wednesday), August 19.

School was originally scheduled to begin on Tuesday, August 25.

As was reported in the August 12 Fayette Advertiser, asbestos was discovered below floor tiles in both the elementary and middle school buildings, resulting in a delay to cleanup efforts from the overnight thunderstorms from May 31 into June 1 that dumped around five inches of rain and hail in a few hours. The deluge caused extensive flooding at Daly Elementary and Clark Middle schools and the Ag building at Fayette High School after water from the pond at the city park overflowed and crossed Herndon Street, overwhelming ditches, with more than a foot of water entering the school buildings. At that time, Doolin reported that flooding reached as far as the school library, with only seven classrooms and two closets untouched by water. The school administration building was spared.

“We understand that this change is not ideal and that adjustments like this can be challenging,” Doolin said. “We truly appreciate your patience, flexibility, and continued commitment to our students as we work through these changes together.”

In a message to parents sent last week, Doolin stated that school would start on September 1, with calendar changes presented to the BOE tonight. Fall marching band and sports will be unaffected by the delay.

Elementary and middle school open houses will be moved to Thursday, August 27. Preschool will start on Thursday, September 3. Vo-tech students will start as originally scheduled on Tuesday, August 25.