Roof Collapse Update – Structural Issues Identified By Infrared Scan
JCHS Pod 8 Roof Collapse – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
Jefferson County School Officials spent Monday assessing damages from the July 7th collapse of a portion of the roof at Jefferson County High School. Director of School, Dr. Charles Edmonds, stated that structural engineers, architects and the renovation construction manager were all on site early Monday morning, as well as a Safety Inspector for Tn Risk Management, the insurer of the facility. Director Edmonds said that there will be no classes held in Building 8 during the upcoming school year, due to the collapse in Building 8, however the rest of the building is safe for classes. Jefferson County Schools Facilities Director Phagan has already identified space to relocate most of the 9 classes located in Building 8. The school will utilize the current mat and weight rooms for 5 classrooms and the Health and Wellness rooms for 2 classrooms and the two remaining teachers will float. Shop space will be more difficult to come by and the search is on for options. Director Edmonds envisions that Building 8 will be repaired and students will be back in their regular classrooms by the start of school 2014 and hopes to begin repairs in October if plans can be approved by the School Board in September.
Jefferson County Finance Director Helton said that insurance should cover the necessary repairs and possibility expenses incurred to house students during the repairs. It should also cover flood damage in Pod 4, according to Helton, and Phagan is confident that Pod 4 will be ready for students when school starts in August.
While there is not yet a definitive reason for the collapse, it appears that several factor came together to create a perfect storm of sorts. Director Edmonds and Phagan count the end of May as the last time that drains were cleaned on the roof, which was a part of a monthly check that is considered regular maintenance. Construction that is ongoing at Jefferson County High School, as well as recent weather conditions and restricted access to the area pushed the regular maintenance check back a few days. Excessive rain has plummeted the area, and there were some structural issues that were identified in a recent infra red scan of the roof, which were being addressed in the renovation plans. The Department of Education believes that the three factors proved too much for the flat roof to bear, cumulating in the resulting collapse.
Helton stated that there should be insurance funds available for teachers in the area to replace classroom materials. It is evident from the exterior that the Drama Department has suffered a significant loss, however due to safety issues there has been no inspection of other classrooms. The Finance Director stated that there will be another meeting with Insurance representatives on Wednesday and more information on the extent of repairs should be available at that time. Jefferson County High School Principal Walker and Assistant Principals France and Cagle will meet next week to identify the needs of the displaced classrooms, teachers and students.
Director Edmonds assured that the renovation of Jefferson County High School and the repairs to Building 8 will run congruent and the timetable for renovation completion should not take a significant hit.
