‘We have a plan.’ FCPS principal says school will be fixed amid complaints of leaks, damage

With staff speaking out about roof leaks and a building with significant damages affecting learning, a Lexington high school principal is promising results.

“We have a plan, the funding is secured, and the work is starting,” Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Principal Scott Loscheider said in a Tuesday message to families.

Staff members recently said the roof issue made the leaks akin to rain inside the building, and classes frequently have to relocate because of leaks, smoke and lack of heating or air conditioning.

The theater auditorium closed for repairs recently after smoke was seen near the upper stage lights, prompting a visit from the Lexington Fire Department to ensure there was no active fire.

There have been rats and bats inside the school, constant moisture, failing pipes, and poor ventilation, according to a letter from Brooke Jackson, a technology resource teacher at the school, which has been sent to school officials.

Bathrooms are missing flooring, tiles are damaged and missing in other rooms, tiles are falling off ceilings and doors are falling off hinges, Jackson said in her letter.

“We are all aware of the ongoing issues with roof leaks and general maintenance, and I share your frustration regarding the impact they have on our daily learning environment,” Loscheider said in a statement.

Loscheider said he met with district leadership and the maintenance department to address the problems.

The district has officially budgeted for and approved a full roof replacement, he said.

Repairs will begin this summer to ensure the most intrusive work happens while students and staff are off-campus. More detailed communication will be coming soon, once the contractor has been selected through the bidding process.

Between now and summer, maintenance teams will be on-site to address smaller, high-priority projects to mitigate further issues, Loscheider said.

“My priority is ensuring our staff and students can focus on education without worrying about the building,” he said.

Loscheider said school officials would “push these necessary improvements across the finish line.”

This story was originally published March 4, 2026 at 7:29 AM.