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Barack Obama Elementary

Home of the Obama Stars

PM Update

Posted Date: 08/29/26 (04:21 PM)
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Good evening, Obama Community,

Please see below for the latest facility updates, as well as information about our plans for next week.

Facility Updates:

  • Air quality testing has been completed on the 3rd and 2nd floors. All but three rooms tested below the outside natural spore levels. 

    • Full test results are attached.

  • Three rooms (207, 304, and 307) were identified for additional remediation, which is taking place today (Saturday). 

    • Cleaning is being conducted by the remediation contractor under negative pressure HEPA air filtration. 

    • All three rooms have been sealed off from the rest of the building while remediation occurs.

  • Final testing for the first floor (basement) and other common spaces began this morning.

  • Water mitigation: 

    • Following the recommendation of our contractor partners, the individual bathrooms that are connected to 6 classrooms have been closed. 

      • This closure is intended to prevent potential plumbing leaks that could introduce moisture into the building. 

      • To ensure no one uses these bathrooms and to prevent water from entering the building, the water has been shut off to them.

    • The Facilities team has also begun patching potential roof leaks, sealing window gaps, investigating and addressing pipe leaks, and replacing damp flooring to prevent future moisture issues. 

Next Week Updates:

  • Pending clear weekend testing, teachers will begin setting up classrooms on Monday (August 31) and Tuesday (September 1). Any individual rooms that still require remediation will be fully sealed off.

  • Student enrichment activities will be provided at Pine Camp on Monday (August 31) and Tuesday (September 1), while teachers prepare their rooms. 

    • Community partners, along with RPS central office staff with teaching experience, will supervise the activities on Monday and Tuesday.

  • Students are scheduled to return to Obama Elementary for regular classes on Wednesday (September 2), pending clear air quality results over the weekend.

Pine Camp Updates:

  • Pine Camp Meals: Breakfast and lunch will be provided daily for students attending Pine Camp, courtesy of the Richmond Education Foundation.

  • Morning Bus Routes: Students will use standard Obama bus stops (view bus routes here).

    • Please Note: K–2 parents must accompany their child to the stop.

    • Neighborhood Walkers: Morning pickup is at Obama Elementary School at 7:30 am.

  • Afternoon Dismissal: Buses depart Pine Camp at 2:40 pm, dropping off walkers at Obama Elementary at 2:45 pm (other students return via standard route times).

    • Please Note: K–2 parents must meet their student at the stop.

  • Extended Stay: Families keeping students at Pine Camp until 5:00 pm are responsible for arranging their own student pickup.

    • A member from the RPS Care & Safety Team will be onsite until all students are picked up.

Weekend Communication Schedule:

  • Our next communication will be on Sunday at 5:00 pm. We will not be sending a 10 am update tomorrow (Sunday). 

Thank you for your patience, support, and partnership as we prepare to welcome our students back!

With great appreciation,

Jason