GALLIPOLIS FERRY — The West Virginia Department of Education and the West Virginia State Fire Marshalls Office has approved that Wednesday, Sept. 2 will be the first day for students at Beale Elementary.

With the construction project having lasted longer than expected, the date of opening the school doors has been pushed back for some time, but Gary Mitchell, Director of Facilities, says that class will start Wednesday.

“Barring any other unforeseen equipment delivery problems, Beale Elementary will open back on Wednesday,” Mitchell said.

The list of those involved in making the final decision include Mike Waugh, Mason County Sanitation Department; Rudy Raynes, State Fire Marshall, 2nd in Command; Maurice Harts, Assitant State Fire Marshall; Bill Elswick, WV Deptartment of Education; Mike Hall, WV School Building Authority; Dr. Capehart, School Superintendent; David McCarty, Neighborgall Construction; and Pat Brumfield, Beale Elementary Principal.

The school will be safe and climate controlled when the kids arrive at the school. Some areas of the playground will be fenced off due to continued construction. Mitchell assures parents that no child will be in any danger while on the school’s grounds.