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Barack Obama Elementary

Home of the Obama Stars

PM Facility Update

Posted Date: 08/25/26 (05:00 PM)
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Good evening, Obama Community,

First, I want to express my gratitude to Principal Drye and the Obama teachers and staff for their flexibility and solutions-oriented approach to all the challenges we’re working through right now. Their love for their students is evident in every word and action they take!

I also want to note that the VDOE just released last year's SOL scores, and Obama saw big gains in reading, math, and science. That’s a testament to the incredible educators on the Obama team – congratulations!

Turning now to the 5:00 pm updates: 

Facility Updates

  • The initial facility assessment with our contract partners is now complete, and finalized plans are in place to clean and remediate all rooms across the entire building.

  • We have increased our crew size by 50% and added a late-night shift to ensure every room receives thorough remediation and cleaning.

  • Remediation teams have been working since 5:00 am, prioritizing staff-reported areas while conducting expanded searches. Dehumidifiers, AC units, and negative ion scrubbers remain running, maintaining a healthy relative humidity of 46%–55% (well below the 60% threshold). Continuous moisture checks are ongoing to pinpoint intrusion points.

Family Support & Resources

  • Educare & Transportation: Beginning on Thursday, August 27, 2026, Richmond City Parks & Recreation Department has graciously agreed to host our scholars at Pine Camp Arts & Community Center (4901 Old Brook Rd, Richmond, VA 23227).

    • The daily schedule will focus on academic and enrichment activities led by Barack Obama educators. We will also have an RPS nurse on-site to handle all student medication and health needs.

    • Parents may drop off directly at the Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center beginning at 7:30 am, or students can utilize RPS-provided transportation. 

    • Transportation home will begin via bus at 2:45 pm.

    • After-school supervision will last until 5:00 pm, and will require parent pick-up, as no bus transportation past 2:45 pm will be provided. 

    • Students will use bus routes, with a final pickup and drop-off stop directly in front of Obama Elementary School (for any walkers) before proceeding to and returning from the Pine Camp Arts & Community Center.

    • Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily at Pine Camp, courtesy of the Richmond Ed Fund. 

  • Meal Support: 

    • Grab & Go meals will be available starting on Thursday, August 27, 2026, from 8:00 -10:00 am, in front of Obama Elementary School for any BOES family.

    • Please be prepared to provide your child’s name during pickup to verify enrollment.

  • Enrollment: A limited number of seats in specific grade levels are available at Frances McClenney Elementary School and Overby-Sheppard Elementary School. 

    • In tomorrow’s (Wednesday) morning message, there will be a form that interested families can fill out to request a transfer. 

    • To ensure there is enough time to transfer students and route them for transportation, the form will close on Wednesday night (August 26) at midnight (12:00 am). 

    • We will make selections using a randomized process and then share results on Thursday, August 27, via email. 

Thank you again for your patience, grace, and understanding. As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. 

With great appreciation,

Jason