Emmett district warns aging high‑school domes may need costly fixes or replacement

District staff told the Emmett Independent District board that the inflatable domes and adjacent high‑school structures show signs of uneven settling, membrane splits and water intrusion that could make repairs temporary rather than long‑lasting.

"Water's getting in there," the superintendent reported as staff reviewed X‑ray and foundation testing and showed photos of splits and holes in dome membranes. The district has hired engineers and installed exterior markers and interior gauges to track elevation changes monthly and after significant weather events.

Staff said some previously attempted repairs have failed to hold and several contractors are unwilling to warranty new work because moisture under the membrane prevents a reliable seal. "They can't even give us a number," the superintendent said about repair costs; engineers told the board that full remediation or replacement could amount to millions of dollars depending on scope.

Board members asked about safety, insurance and possible interim fixes. One trustee urged cost estimates and scope analysis so the public can understand tradeoffs between continued patching and building replacement. Staff said options include targeted repairs, underpinning or longer‑term replacement and emphasized that moisture must be removed from beneath the structure for a durable solution.

District staff also noted other facility work competing for limited funds — including asphalt resurfacing, piping and athletic lighting — and said the board will need to prioritize projects when they finalize figures. The report concluded with staff pledging to return with more detailed cost estimates, elevation data and engineering recommendations.

The board did not take a funding vote at the meeting; members directed staff to gather additional data and cost estimates for discussion at a future meeting.