Alexandria Senior High School students will begin the 2026-2027 school year with virtual instruction after an unintentional release of asbestos fibers occurred during school improvement construction projects on campus.
In a letter to students and families dated July 21, Rapides Parish School Board officials said the release had the potential to create an unsafe learning and working environment for students and employees.
The district said its facilities department has been working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to ensure all appropriate safety and remediation standards are addressed. Officials said they continue working with architects and contractors to prepare the campus for the return of students and staff.
The district said the campus will not be ready to open for the scheduled start of school on Aug. 7. As a result, all students enrolled at Alexandria Senior High will begin the school year virtually.
Officials expect the delay to last at least a few weeks and said updates will be provided each Friday afternoon as additional information becomes available.
Teachers and administrators will provide virtual instruction, and school leaders will distribute information regarding Chromebook pickup, class schedules and other materials needed for the start of the school year.
Students will be able to access schedules, Google Classroom and other educational programs beginning Aug. 7 using their official RPSB CLEVER login credentials from any internet-connected device.
Students who need a device may pick up Google Chromebooks at the ASH ROTC building according to the following schedule:
Friday, Aug. 7
- 8 to 11 a.m. — Seniors
- Noon to 3 p.m. — Juniors
Monday, Aug. 10
- 8 to 11 a.m. — Sophomores
- Noon to 3 p.m. — Freshmen
Students will also receive printed schedules, instructions for schedule change requests, RPSB login credentials for educational programs, a guide for starting school virtually, information on school, AP and dual enrollment fees, instructions for logging into classes and information on free Wi-Fi access points.
For more info go online to: ash.rpsb.us/2026-start-of-school