Superintendent: third day of school marked by air-conditioning outages, staffing and water repairs

Superintendent Eldon Merrell told the Duncan Unified District (4228) Governing Board on Aug. 11 that the district was on its third day of classes and facing several operational challenges, including air-conditioning failures and a recent water issue that drained a tank.

"We are on the third day of school with a few hardships. Biggest one is air conditioning and we have a number of units out," Merrell said, adding that a serious water problem had been repaired and the district was rebuilding its reserve. He also said a prospective bus driver is ready to start once she completes the required drug test.

Merrell reported enrollment at 373 students, near the district’s May ending numbers, and noted elementary Back-to-School night drew about 250 attendees with elementary enrollment at 255. Board members did not request additional immediate action beyond approving routine personnel and operational items on the consent and new-business agendas.

The meeting minutes record the session began at 6:00 p.m. at the District Office; the transcript did not specify a time zone.