Board hears MT Anderson fire update; approves sewer easement for central office addition

Trustees received a facilities update on Feb. 10 that included preliminary findings from an investigation of a fire at MT Anderson and a vote approving a sanitary‑sewer easement needed for a planned central‑office addition.

Facilities staff and superintendent Dr. Royster said early investigation indicates the fire was started by a battery pack stored in a secured area. "That was the initial findings of the investigation from the fire, it was started by the battery pack," Dr. Royster said. The district has changed how batteries are stored and is reviewing other storage locations. Cleanup of debris from melted battery packs and damaged cubicle materials will take time; staff said first‑floor areas are being cleared and air‑tested and could be reoccupied within about a week to 10 days, but second‑floor space will require a longer cleanup and replacement of contaminated cubicle dividers.

Board members were told that some departments formerly housed at MT Anderson have been relocated temporarily to multiple sites and that the district is pursuing insurance and environmental‑testing steps. Trustees also approved a motion to secure a sanitary‑sewer easement so needed upgrades to the sewer line can proceed in support of the district office addition; staff explained an original recorded easement could not be located and the easement is necessary to complete construction work.

Facilities leaders also reported that two recently renovated football fields look good and that additional field projects are in the bidding process for the spring/summer construction season.

The board approved the easement and received the update for information; no additional motions about cleanup funding were taken at this meeting.