School District allocates $2M for roof repairs after hailstorm damage

As the sun rose over Siloam Springs on June 18, the school district's board of education gathered to address pressing issues stemming from a recent hailstorm that wreaked havoc on local facilities. The meeting opened with a stark reminder of the storm's impact, as officials reported significant damage to the intermediate school and transportation vehicles.

On May 18, a hail event followed by five inches of rain led to extensive flooding at the intermediate school, resulting in what officials described as "major damage." The board discussed the necessity of a complete overhaul of the school's roof, with estimates for repairs reaching around $2 million. Insurance will play a crucial role in covering these costs, although past experiences suggest that funds may take time to arrive. "We don't always get that insurance money till well after the fact," one board member noted, recalling a previous delay of 18 months for similar repairs.

In addition to the school, the transportation lot was not spared; every vehicle parked there sustained hail damage, including several buses and new Suburbans that now resemble "golf balls" due to the dents. The district's maintenance staff quickly mobilized to assess and repair the damage, ensuring that essential services could continue without significant disruption.

The board expressed gratitude for the swift response from staff members who worked tirelessly to clean up and maintain educational continuity during the crisis. "Tracy's team over there at intermediate did a wonderful job of jumping in and adapting," one member remarked, highlighting the collaborative effort to keep students in class despite the chaos.

As the meeting transitioned to action items, the board also addressed a typographical error in the minutes from a previous meeting regarding funding for a parking lot renovation at the middle school. This attention to detail underscores the board's commitment to transparency and accuracy in their operations.

With the storm's aftermath still fresh in their minds, the Siloam Springs School District is now focused on navigating the complexities of repairs and insurance claims, all while ensuring that the educational needs of their students remain a top priority.