Hundreds of students were supposed to return to the classroom at a Hillsborough charter school Thursday.
But the Expedition School remains closed nearly a month after sustaining severe flood damage due to Tropical Storm Chantal.
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The record breaking crest of the Eno River flooded the school building, and school leaders said that around 98% of what was inside the building was a total loss.
Tammy Finch, the founder and director of the Expedition School, said that the building had water about three feet high. WRAL News was at the school Thursday to check out the damage and walls were knocked down and the inside was completely cleared out, all the way to the foundation.
“As you can see, it’s nowhere near ready for children to be here,” Finch said.
She added that there’s much work to be done as the school will have to get all the electrical wiring redone as well.
The school will continue classes in a temporary space next door at the The Cloth Mill event space at Eno River Mill. They are expected to reopen the school to the children on August 25.
Finch said they’re grateful for those who have already come to help with donations and repairs to the school.
She added that there will be a chance for the community to come out and help transition the school into their new space on Saturday, August 2 for the Volunteer Work Day.
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., people are welcome to come and help bring desks and supplies over to the new space so that the school is ready to continue on the school year.