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District describes emergency sinkhole and stormwater repairs after band and choir rooms flooded; graduation to remain in stadium
Summary
District facilities staff reported sinkhole activity and a collapsed corrugated metal storm pipe that led to flooding of the band and choir rooms. Contractors installed a resin-lined "sock" liner and are pursuing repairs and asphalt subbase checks; graduation will remain in the stadium though procession route will change.
Haddonfield School District facilities staff described a series of stormwater failures that caused localized flooding of the band's and choir's spaces and led the district to authorize emergency repairs and sub-surface pipe rehabilitation.
Board members were told that a corrugated metal storm pipe beneath the stadium area had corroded and developed perforations; that, combined with clogged joints and saturated soils, produced sinkholes and subsequent collapse. Facilities staff said crews identified multiple defective sections and performed expedited excavation and repairs.
Facilities staff described a cured-in-place lining method installed on a section of pipe: a resin-impregnated fabric "sock" fed into the pipe and pressurized and cured in place to form a new structural inner lining. Staff said the technique becomes its own structural element and can be applied where pipe shape remains sufficient. They said they are seeking a broader proposal to line the remaining jeopardized sections from the upstream sinkhole to the stream discharge.
The district said it coordinated an emergency response with contractors and that crews kept pumps running through heavy rains to prevent further flooding. The facilities team said they will also cut out areas of asphalt settlement, check subbase conditions, and repair pavement to address tripping hazards.
Board members asked about effects on graduation; district staff confirmed graduation will still be held in the stadium but the procession approach will be adjusted. The district said the affected area is not the primary seating area and there is no current safety issue for the ceremony.
District staff said funding and authorization for emergent work involve either a county approval for contract change orders (20 percent threshold) or a formal emergent-project designation; they are working with the county and the business office to secure required approvals. Facilities staff thanked contractors and named staff who worked overnight to pump and stabilize areas during heavy rain events.
No formal board vote was recorded in the public discussion; staff described next steps for lining, asphalt repair pricing, and procurement steps to secure authority for additional emergent repairs as needed.
