Edenton-Chowan begins school year with 2 schools closed for HVAC fixes

EDENTON — The first day of classes in the Edenton-Chowan Public Schools on Monday went well, but for one hitch.

White Oak and D.F. Walker Elementary Schools, which both share a building and heating/air conditioning system as part of a hybrid school program called Team WOW (White Oak/Walker), did not open as scheduled.

Their first day of classes at both schools was pushed back to Wednesday as technicians worked on the HVAC system to reduce excess humidity that caused condensation throughout the White Oak-D.F. Walker building.

The problem was the subject of an emergency meeting of the Edenton-Chowan Board of Education on Friday. The board considered and approved a contract to clean the school’s ductwork and vents, delaying the building’s opening for the start of school.

“The only hiccup was the HVAC” at the two schools, said Rick Stout, interim ECPS superintendent.

Stout said he’d gotten good reports on air quality in the building and anticipated a problem-free opening on Wednesday. He said the work on the building’s ventilation system also delayed open houses at the school.

Both White Oak and D.F. Walker instead were scheduled to hold their open houses on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 6 pm.

Stout said that opening day of the 2024-25 school year went well otherwise.

“We had a smooth two days of the opening,” he said, adding that bus transportation went well and both the Chowan Middle School and John A. Holmes High School buildings were in great shape.

Stout said he did not have enrollment figures compiled for the Edenton-Chowan Schools yet. He also did not have a number for the open teacher positions in the schools, saying the schools were well-staffed, with “only one or two open positions that we are covering nicely.”

Stout, who took over the reins in Edenton-Chowan after former Superintendent Michael Sasscer left in June, said he spent the morning at Chowan Middle School, greeting children and helping teachers direct kids to their classrooms.

“It’s turned out to be a good first day,” Stout said. “It’s exciting to see children arriving for their first day of a new year.”

Sharon Meads, principal at Chowan Middle School, described the start of the new school year Monday as fantastic. She said the school held a back-to-school pep rally and students arrived “excited and ready to embrace the new year.”

“Our scholars were able to show their school spirit by dressing in different school colors by grade and cheering on their peers and teachers in spirited adult vs student challenges,” she said.

Teachers were well-prepared and began “engaging students from the moment they walked into their classrooms,” Meads said.

“The atmosphere was positive and energetic, with everyone quickly settling into their routines and most already accustomed to the expectations of our school culture,” Meads said. “Overall, it was a smooth and successful day, setting a strong foundation for the year ahead.”

Sonya Rinehart, principal at John A. Holmes Highs School, said the school opened the new year Monday with nearly 600 students.

“We began the year on a high note, with staff delivering dynamic lessons that set clear academic and behavioral expectations,” she said. “Our seniors, proudly wearing their Class of 2025 apparel, are geared up to make this year unforgettable. With just a few openings remaining, our team is excited to inspire and elevate our students as we watch our new building take shape.”