VERSAILLES, IN — The start of the 2022-23 school year at South Ripley Community Schools will be delayed one week because of an issue with the air conditioning system at the Junior/Senior High building.
In a letter to parents and guardians, Superintendent Rob Moorhead wrote that a power surge to the chillers at the Jr./Sr. High building over the summer caused the air conditioning system to operate at only 25% capacity.
Because of supply chain issues, the parts needed to repair the chillers were not delivered until last Wednesday (July 20).
The reduced cooling capability during extremely hot weather caused humidity and moisture problems in part of the building, which led to early-stage mold growth.
As a precaution, Moorhead says the school corporation has been working with the Ripley County Health Department to ensure a safe and healthy environment for returning students and staff.
Moorhead says a certified professional service will clean the building, and to complete the necessary air quality tests, it will be necessary to delay the start of school by one week.
The first student day will now be August 10. In addition, Meet Your Teacher Night at the Elementary School has been moved to August 8, while the Jr./Sr. High Meet Your Teacher Night will take place on August 9.
Book Store Days will now be held on August 3 and 4.
Moorhead says an updated 2022-23 school year calendar will be distributed upon South Ripley School Board approval.
Moorhead adds anyone who has questions can call the Superintendent’s Office at (812) 689-6282 or their school’s building principal.
