BUCKHANNON — The Upshur County school system is rescinding nearly $900,000 in state grant funding for a Tennerton Elementary School project, because the project was contingent on the passage of the excess levy which was voted down in May.

At an SBA meeting in Charleston Monday morning, a letter dated May 30 was read that was written by Christine Miller, Upshur County Superintendent of Schools, and addressed to Andy Neptune, executive director of the West Virginia School Boarding Authority.

“The West Virginia School Building Authority on April 10, 2024, granted Upshur County’s Board of Education request for a time extension until June 30, 2025, regarding the Tennerton Elementary School project,” Miller’s letter states. “When this request was made, it was contingent on the passage of the Excess Levy put before the voters on May 14, 2004. Unfortunately, it did not pass, and we are therefore notifying you that we will not be able to proceed with this project.

“While understanding giving money granted back is not in our best interests, we do not currently have the funds to cover this full project ourselves,” the letter reads. “It is hoped as Upshur County works through the state takeover process we will be able to come back to the authority with a more comprehensive look at the needs that exist and have the backing of funding to support our contribution. Please advise if there is any other information or steps we need to take to remedy this situation.

“Thank you for the consideration and continued support of the needs of county school systems across the state of West Virginia.”

The proposed renovation project had been expected to cost $1,682,625, including $882,625 from the School Building Authority grant, and $800,000 from local funding.

The project would have replaced a 42-year-old modular building with a new kindergarten classroom and a new universal pre-kindergarten classroom. The project would also have included improvements for student safety, including a safe schools’ entry and a new fire sprinkler system.

On May 14, a total of 2,780 Upshur County residents, or 53.34%, voted against the levy.

In June 2023, the West Virginia Board of Education placed the Upshur County school system into a State of Emergency after an investigation found misuse of federal and state funds.