On or about June 17th, Wayne Braddy, Head Custodian, observed the ceilings in the hallway in our High School building near rooms 110 and 107 sagging. Upon further inspection, the ceilings in those rooms, as well as rooms 106, 108, and 109 were also beginning to sag.

Since that time, we have had our architect inspect the attic space above those rooms and hallway, who then recommended a roof truss inspector determine what the problem was causing the sagging. It has been determined that that part of the building, constructed in 1978, was built with trusses containing fire retardant chemicals. Those chemicals, along with extreme heat and humidity over time, has caused 29 of the 43 trusses to break or crack. This has caused a dangerous situation.

We will be working on replacing the roofing, decking, trusses, and ceilings in all of the affected areas. This may take up to 6 months. In the meantime, the Board, Administration, and staff are doing everything we can to start school on Aug. 15th as planned. We will be utilizing all available classrooms and classroom type space to conduct classes until this construction is completed.

The School Board had a Special Board meeting scheduled for July 14th at 6:00 p.m. to discuss this issue, as well as to discuss the funding for this major project. It was decided to apply to the State for an emergency Health/Life Safety Amendment. That has been approved.

The Board then met on August 4th to hold a public hearing to discuss issuing Health/Life Safety Bonds in the amount of $420,000 to fund this project. The final action to issue those bonds will be taken at the regular monthly Board meeting on August 18th.

The Board then approved hiring Lipps Construction (Mt. Vernon) to do the demoliton and reconstruction work on the roof and ceiling components. This work will begin Monday, August 15. and hopefully be completed by Dec. 1.

The Board has approved the purchase of a portable air conditioner/heat pump for the stage (Ms. Draege's classes), and approved the rental of an executive restroom trailer (heated, air conditioned, sinks, etc) to accommodate our lack of restroom facilities during this time.

11-23-11: The following is the latest information regarding the Roof Replacement project, as well as some information on the Energy Grant projects.

The roofing company has put all the shingles on the entire roof, old and new sections of the main building. There are a few minor sealing components to be finished, but the new section of the building is now protected from rain and possibly snow. The end gable on the north end is being enclosed today, and then the whole section will be able to be heated again.

Tile will be removed in all classrooms, restrooms, and the hallway in the affected new section. Those areas will all receive new tile, a new coat of paint, as well as additional electrical outlets, new ceilings, and new upgraded lighting. Electrical workers are reinstalling electrical components, internet connections, intercom, phone service, and ceiling fans.

Our hope is that we will move back into the new section by Jan 3, when the second semester begins.

Energy projects are progressing well. Windows have been installed in the Ag. shop and classroom, the ceiling is being installed in the Old Gym, vestibule entry doors are seheduled to be installed, probably over Christmas break, and Sides Gym lighting installation could be completed by Jan. 2 also.

If anyone has any questions about this, please feel free to contact me, Alan Estes, Superintendent, at the school 735-2631 x 102.