BY KYLE LOVERN
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

KERMIT, W.Va. — The first day of school for students at Kermit PK8 was delayed by one day due to land slippage behind the school.

School was supposed to start Aug. 27. However, a phone call went out to parents the evening of Aug. 26 stating that there would be no school the next day for an inspection to take place on the slide behind the school that borders the Tug River.

That slide occurred after river flooding in February. It also happened a couple of years ago after high water levels.

The Mingo County School District office issued this statement the afternoon of Aug. 27.

“We are pleased to inform you that Kermit School will be open beginning Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025. The engineering report indicates the building is safe to occupy during times of ‘normal river levels and dry periods,’ as there is ‘low risk for structural distress.” However, the recommendation states, “If the building continues to be used and occupied, provisions should be made to terminate the use of the building during high water events and not allow use of the building until the slide area has been inspected for slope/building movement.’ Testing and monitoring devices will be used to guide future decisions.  Having said that, we will begin school tomorrow on a normal schedule. Please bear in mind that when heavy rain occurs, we will have periods in which we will need to cancel school for Kermit until the building can be inspected.  Another report will be provided when those events occur to give updated information to our parents and community.

“We look forward to seeing your children tomorrow and look forward to a successful school year.”

Social media was buzzing Aug. 27 with parents upset about the late notice. They also stated that an “open house” had already been held at the school that is located along U.S. 52 just south of Kermit.

A few parents and students were seen protesting that morning.

Local businessman Davey Jude of Kermit posted on Facebook.

“Around the first of August I received a call being asked to join a committee with the WV State BOE and Mingo County BOE on a plan for our school. I have been in contact with numerous people about the slip out back of the school along with a meeting with the State BOE,” Jude wrote.

“It is very frustrating that no initiative was taken way sooner than now.”

Jude said he hopes to visit Mingo Superintendent of Schools, Joetta Basile, who was appointed to the position by the state this summer after the takeover.

“I’ll then try to help with a plan to fix the slip to ensure our school is safe for the foreseeable future,” Jude said. “I have continued to voice my own opinion that I believe the school is safe and plan to send my own kid there.”