Marsh Fork Elementary (Hur Herald Photo)
After years of controversy over the location of a Massey Energy coal processing plant a few feet behind the Marsh Fork Elementary School in Raleigh County, the coal company has decided to donate $1 million to help relocate and build a new school.
Raleigh County Superintendent Charlotte Hutchens has asked the state School Building Authority for $6.6 million to build a new school.
Environmentalists and some local citizens have argued the school isn't safe because of air and water pollution from the coal preparation facilities.
Most parents of children attending the school have defended Massey's presence, with many of those families being employed by the coal giant.
The school rests under a multi-billion gallon slurry impoundment that many consider a safety risk, citing the Buffalo Creek disaster in 1972 that killed 125 people.
Julia Bond of Coal River Mountain Watch said, "In the real world, having these facilities lurking over a public school would be a no-brainer," in WV the "powers that be just turn their head."
Late last year, Massey said they would not give money to replace the school because Massey operations in the Marsh Fork area contribute about $5 million each month in severance, property and state taxes.
Coal River Mountain Watch plans to pledge more than $10,400 for the school, money mostly collected in pennies.
Superintendent Hutchens said the people who side with either Massey or Coal River Mountain Watch have caused major disruptions to learning at the school.
"It is difficult to learn when you are bombarded by multiple factions," she said.
The school system has taken no position regrading the health and safety of the children.
Julia Bonds said the focus by public officials and the coal corporation really hasn't been about the children, but about profits and jobs.
The new school project is still coming up $2 million short.
Massey continues to defend the operation, claiming it poses no health or safety risks. | 
