EVELYN HOWELL/HERALD STAFF WRITER

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WELDON - Over 70 people including parents, school officials and community leaders came together to discuss ways to build a new Weldon High School at the school's media center Thursday evening.

There were many who expressed their concerns and fears about the old school, which they feel no longer provides an adequate and conducive atmosphere for their children to learn and grow.

The audience were given a tour of the 50-year-old building, led by Rick Ott, senior vice president of M.B. Kahn Construction Company based in Columbia, S.C.

Earlier, Ott assessed the school and presented his findings as parents walked from classroom to classroom.

The school is riddled with issues of mold, mildew and poor ventilation which could mean a health hazard for students, teachers and staff.

Ott said that asbestos is underneath the tile floor in the food lab, and the equipment in the kitchen dates back to the 1950s.

In the science classroom, there are no beakers and the gas fixtures do not work which makes it impossible for students to get hands on experience in the lab.

“This is the worse science lab I have ever seen,” said Ott pointing out how poorly the lab is equipped.

“Without a doubt, your kids are not getting the same services and opportunities other kids are receiving in the state,” said Ott.

“In order to compete with kids all over the world, you have to give them the necessary tools to work with.”

Lakecia Floyd Scott is a parent who has three children enrolled in Weldon City Schools and supports building a new school. “I believe in investing in the future of our kids and supporting high quality education.”

Scott added that studies show that children show a greater desire to learn and to be productive when they are in an environment conducive for learning and the high school drop rate is less.

“This is not a want, this is a necessity, and we as parents in this community must make it happen, not just hope it happens,” said Kim Bracy who has three children in the district.

Renovating the school was also discussed but Ott said that he would not recommend that alternative. “It will cost you more to renovate this school than it would just to rebuild a new school.”

As parents moved to the outside of the building, other issues caught their attention such as numerous cracks on the outside of the building.

Ott said that this is due to drainage that is causing problems with the foundation which causes the cracks.”

Mayor Johnny Draper said that although they are not sure how they will get funding for the new school, there is plenty of optimism.

“If you are not optimistic,” you don't need to be an elected official,” said Mayor Johnny Draper who supports Weldon building a new school.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, we are in dire need, but I commend our teachers at Weldon High for working under these conditions,” said Superintendent Dr. Elie Bracy III.

“Seeing the condition of this school is a tearjerker,” said Pattie Cotton, chairman of the Weldon School board. “When I first saw the problems in this school, I wanted to cry and I could not sleep,”

“I hope when you go home you won't be able to sleep either, Cotton told the audience.