Building-code problems have forced Moore County’s new STARS Charter School to move into temporary quarters in the Days Inn.

Principal Lynn Boyle is undaunted by the change in plans.

"It’s not where we are but what we’re doing that’s important," she said in an interview on Saturday.

School officials discovered Thursday afternoon that they would not be able to begin classes as planned in the Community Evangelical Church on West Pennsylvania Avenue in Southern Pines because of problems acquiring a Certificate of Occupancy.

The church does not have handicapped-accessible bathrooms that meet code for schools, and they must be upgraded before classes can begin at that location. Bringing the building into compliance is expected to take less than a week.

In the meantime, classes must begin. The STARS school staff hit the streets of Moore County Friday morning, looking for a suitable temporary location.

Boyle, who is new to Moore County, says she learned a lot about the area in a hurry last Friday. She personally visited the Parks and Recreation Department, the Arts Council of Moore County, the Weymouth Center, area churches and even the National Guard Armory. Other staff members were out in force as well, scouring the streets for a location.

"Every place I went yesterday, I asked, ‘Well, do you have any suggestions?’" Boyle said. "Everyone was very gracious."

"The Armory was wonderful," she said. "They offered us space if we got into a bind."

As it turned out, the school found a slightly larger space in time. One of the STARS staff members has been attending church at the Days Inn while construction is completed on her church. A call was made and everything worked out.

The price was right, and so was the location. There are three rooms large enough to fit everyone comfortably. Boyle was pleased with the arrangement and even referred to the Days Inn as "partners in education" for its help.

The next problem was letting the about 70 STARS parents know about the change in location. A few school staffers and one volunteer came in early Saturday morning to begin the task.

"We’ll be calling parents," said Boyle. "They don’t know yet."

She was confident of reaching everyone in time, and was more concerned about the lesson plan for the coming week, about which she was exited. They are planning a Beatrix Potter theme, which will be used to incorporate all aspects of the arts and sciences.

The school should be able to begin classes in its regular location within a week.