THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

The rain used to disrupt class at Edgewood Elementary School.

Then Principal Consetta Burton moved the class affected the most into the counselor&8217;s room.

The Selma City Board of Education declared Edgewood in emergency status and plans are underway to fix the roof. Board members may get a closer look Monday at 5 p.m. If the rain holds up, board members will witness the leaks for themselves.

A special called meeting is set for Edgewood &8212; not just because of the roof. The board moves its meetings routinely.

If the school board wanted to see worse it could meet at Byrd Elementary School. It has a classroom that can&8217;t be used also. School officials said it&8217;s likely next to be repaired.

Board member Barbara Hiouas, administrative services committee chairperson, said the situation at Edgewood could become &8220;a serious health and safety risk to children.&8221;

The school has pre-K through fifth grade, and 450 students. The largest of the system&8217;s elementary schools, the building has the same need for repairs school officials said most of the system&8217;s buildings do.

Hill has assisted Dr. Verdell L. Dawson, interim superintendent, in troubleshooting problems such as the one at Edgewood. School officials will get a contractor to take a look at the roof, give them an estimate and if the estimates it within reason, fix the roof.

A paint job has enhanced Clark Elementary. Payne Elementary got a new ceiling for classrooms and better lighting. The windows in classrooms at Payne don&8217;t have latches. They&8217;re wired shut, but school officials declared Payne and Clark in emergency status and they&8217;re being repaired.