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Vestavia Hills board declares emergency after flooding at Elementary West; district aims to reopen classrooms midweek
Summary
The Vestavia Hills Board of Education approved an emergency declaration after heavy rainfall flooded areas of Vestavia Hills Elementary West. Brookstone Restoration was dispatched; district officials said they hope to reopen classrooms by Wednesday but said repair costs are not yet known.
The Vestavia Hills Board of Education on Tuesday approved an emergency declaration after heavy rainfall caused flooding at Vestavia Hills Elementary West that affected kindergarten and other lower-level classrooms.
Superintendent (name not specified) told the board the surge of water arrived during a heavy storm about 6:45 a.m., moved down the hill into parking and patio areas and entered the lower level. "That area got flooded very quickly, probably about 4 inches of water in most of the area in the basement," the superintendent said. The flooding affected kindergarten classrooms, some first-grade classrooms, several special-class rooms, part of the gym and storage areas.
The district immediately contracted Brookstone Restoration to remove water and mud and to begin steps to restore indoor air quality, the superintendent said. Cleanup work began the same day and continued into the evening; officials said restorative drying and air-quality work has continued the next day.
Board members and district staff emphasized keeping students’ final school days intact. The superintendent said teachers have begun returning to classrooms to put items back in place and that the district is "planning to try to get to start on Wednesday." He added the district will fully assess any additional damage and needed repairs over the summer.
The emergency declaration gives administrators authority to begin remediation and to determine repair needs and costs; the superintendent said a dollar estimate is not available yet and will depend on the extent of damage to flooring, cabinetry and other materials. The declaration was moved and seconded on the record and approved by the board.
Board members praised central office staff, maintenance personnel and administrators for the rapid response. No timelines for summer repairs or funding sources were specified at the meeting.
The board approved the emergency declaration; district officials said they will return to the board with more detailed damage and cost estimates after further assessment.
