SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Eight school districts throughout southeastern North Carolina are getting some assistance to help with the costly cleanup after Hurricane Matthew.
The hurricane left some schools unable to use classrooms, cafeterias or offices. Horace Mann, the largest national multiline insurance company dedicated to helping teachers with their financial success, donated a total of $20,000 to help the districts purchase cleaning supplies and/or hire cleaning crews.
Last week, Horace Mann agent Revis Long presented a check to Superintendent Alan Faulk of the Columbus County School District.
“Columbus County was hit extremely hard by the flood. There are still many educators and students living in temporary housing,” said Long. “We hope this donation will help assist the district in its recovery. Between bus route changes, clean-up of buildings, re-stocking of supplies and caring for students, the district has many needs.”
The flood also heavily impacted the Public Schools of Robeson County. Superintendent Tommy Lowry said the Central Services Facilities for the school district were devastated by the storm. The floods displaced the Central Services staff, maintenance operations, transportation, print shop, technology, purchasing and child nutrition offices. One elementary school had to be relocated to a middle school, while another elementary school wing and cafeteria were closed.
“Our Central Services Facilities received 36 to 60 inches of water, flooding the entire building and the surrounding area. The flood area extended more than one mile. The damage assessment is ongoing,” said Lowry when describing the damages to Horace Mann agent Ryan Sampson. “With all the difficulties we faced, we are fortunate to have students back in school.”
Horace Mann agents also presented donations to other schools: Clinton City School District (agent Amy Rose); Sampson County Schools (agent Amy Rose); Bladen County Schools (agent Revis Long); Cumberland County Schools (agents Warren Williams & Amy Rose); Wayne County Public Schools (agent Justin King); and Johnston County Schools (agent Alison Hudson).