Dear Franklin families,

We are committed to keeping our families informed throughout this natural disaster. As we shift our attention from the initial humanitarian aid and relief to recovery, please know that we appreciate and value your input. Please also know that we are working with fewer resources and we may not have the capacity to respond to every individual email. We are not yet at a point where we can shift to a standard timeframe for updates. The situation remains very fluid and we want to keep you informed and hopefully not overwhelmed. 

I understand that Asheville City’s announcement that they are building wells and their announced date for reopening  has created many questions. Based on the information I have from Buncombe County I am not ready to announce an opening date. Water is essential for a safe return to school and we are pursuing every option to reopen school as quickly as possible. We are in communication with Buncombe County and they are working on options for all schools. There is no easy solution but many good people are tackling the challenge. 

Regarding water we are exploring whether a well is a good option. We’ve submitted our permit application and we have identified contractors to help as soon as we have our permit.  We have also submitted a request to the Emergency Operating Center for portable bathroom trailers with handwashing stations. Our request was submitted along with the request for Buncombe County schools. 

With either a well or the portable trailers, we will need some extra measures in place for safety. Our sprinkler system for the building will not be operational until full City water service is restored. Opening ahead of that time requires approval from the Fire Marshall based on establishing a human “fire watch’. We’ll have more information about how many people will be needed for this service soon and we’ll share that out so that we can have volunteers lined up. a

The County officials met with Charter leaders yesterday and we will continue meeting with them regularly as we work on options for reopening. There are many considerations and we are actively participating in problem-solving conversations. 

We will also need staff who are able to return to work. We are surveying our staff to find out how they are now, where they are, and what they need in order to return to work. Our staff are experiencing the same challenges and trauma as everyone else. They are our greatest resource and it is essential that their well-being is part of our consideration as we look to reopen. 

We have formed working groups with available staff to plan service opportunities, Crew or social opportunities for students and families, academic supports, and continued care management and counseling resources. More information will be coming as the working groups meet and coordinate. Please understand that we are trying to get answers about what we can legally and safely do here on campus without water. It is an unprecedented situation for all of us in this region. 

Some of you have questions about remote learning options. Until the General Assembly finalizes the relief legislation, we are limited in our authority to provide remote instruction. We anticipate that we will have more information this week and we are ready to begin rolling out options for families who have relocated or for whom remote learning is an option. We are planning to offer some virtual options and will provide more information as soon as we learn what the State has approved. 

I personally want to thank everyone who has reached out to offer support and kind words. From our start our community has lifted us up at every turn in the road. Thank you for being part of the Franklin community. As I say to our students each week – be kind, be smart, be Bolts. We’ll come through this better together. 

 

With appreciation,

 

Michelle