The Expedition School in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Photos courtesy of The Expedition School.
The Expedition School (TES), a public charter school, in Hillsborough, North Carolina, needs help to recover from significant flood damage to its elementary school building. On July 6, rising waters from the Eno River, due to extensive rainfall from Tropical Storm Chantal, flooded the lower campus. As a result, the school lost almost all of its furniture, technology, classroom supplies, and infrastructure for its K-5 students. Out of pocket costs after insurance are expected to reach $500,000.
TES is asking for volunteers, financial contributions, and supplies. Please consider helping if you are able.
We share the school’s press release below (with emphasis added around need and ways to help):
In the wake of Tropical Storm Chantal, The Expedition School’s Lower School experienced devastating flooding, with water levels rising over four feet in some areas. Classrooms, supplies, and the very spaces where our youngest learners grow, explore, and thrive were severely damaged or destroyed, resulting in a significant setback for the school and its community.
As a result of this extensive damage, The Expedition School has made the difficult decision to delay the start of the school year to August 25 to allow time for cleanup, restoration, and recovery.
TES is guided by its motto—we are CREW, not passengers—and our crew has shown up in incredible ways.
From the moment waters receded, current families, former students, retired staff, neighbors, and volunteers with no direct school ties—just hearts of gold—began arriving to help. The response has been overwhelming, humbling, and inspiring. From neighbors helping to amplify our story to volunteers rolling up their sleeves, your support is lifting us up.
We need continued help from our extended community as we work to restore our school or a safe and welcoming space for our students and staff. The school lost 98% of all its furniture, classroom supplies, technology, books, and infrastructure for our K – 5 students. While insurance will cover part of the loss, the school faces approximately $500,000 in out-of-pocket costs in order to reopen our doors.
Here’s how you can help:
Donate: Financial contributions can be made here: www.givebutter.com/bBK29A. Every dollar goes directly toward rebuilding and replenishing essential supplies. Consider making a matching donation through your employer—we are in Benevity and other platforms!
Volunteer: More work days are coming soon—stay tuned on our Facebook page for upcoming opportunities to lend a hand.
Keep Sharing: Your posts, shares, and messages spread awareness and bring much-needed support.
Supply Donations: We are now accepting school and office supply donations to help replenish what was lost. Please visit our supply list here: Google Docs List. Donation bins are at our front doors at 437 Dimmocks Mills Road, Suite 33, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Note: A separate book drive will be held later; please hold off on book donations for now.
For media inquiries, interviews, or ways to get involved, please contact:
Randi Russell
School Support Specialist, The Expedition School
randirussell@theexpeditionschool.com
Stephanie Irvine
Secretary, The Expedition School Board of Directors
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