AM Update

Good morning, Obama Community,

Many thanks to those of you who reached out with questions yesterday to help us refine our updates! Please see below for the latest information. 

Facility Updates

• This morning, our crew began work at BOES at 5:00 am with an expanded crew of 33 personnel. Expanding the crew size allows us to accelerate deep cleaning and remediation across all rooms.

• Today, we look to complete remediation on the entire top floor and half of the middle floor.

• Independent air quality testing begins today in the areas remediated yesterday, including the auditorium and room 104 in the basement.

• Dehumidifiers, AC units, negative ion scrubbers, and antibacterial fogging remain actively in use. Relative humidity across the facility is 39%–56% (well below the 60% standard).

• Continuous moisture monitoring remains ongoing to locate potential intrusion points, and a follow-up exterminator treatment will be completed today.

Enrollment Updates

• A limited number of seats in select grade levels are available at McClenney Elementary School and Overby-Sheppard Elementary School via a randomized selection process. If interested, please submit the interest form by 11:59 pm (Wednesday, August 26 - today).

  • Enrollment Interest Form

• Students who transfer may stay at their new school for the rest of the school year or until Barack Obama Elementary School reopens safely. Transportation will be provided to all students selected to attend a neighboring school.

• Families will be notified of placement status via email by 12:00 pm tomorrow (Thursday, August 27). Transferred students will begin at their new school on Monday, August 31.

Educare Updates

• Beginning tomorrow (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). 

  • Attendance is not mandatory, and will not count against your scholar if they do not attend. 

  • Obama families should have received a call from their child's teacher or another member of the Obama Team to gauge interest in participating in the enrichment activities being offered at Pine Camp on August 27-28, 2026. 

  • Outreach will continue today for any families who were not reached yesterday to ensure that we’re sufficiently able to plan for instruction, enrichment activities, and meals.

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

• Transportation:

  • Details regarding transportation routes for the Pine Camp educare option will be shared in our 5:00 pm update today.

  • 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 from Pine Camp 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.

• Meals:

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

  • Grab & Go meals will be available starting tomorrow (Thursday, August 27) 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.

Thank you for your ongoing patience and understanding as we work to safely return to the Obama building.

With great appreciation,

Jason