Raytown reports nearly $1 million in costs so far to fix South High parking-lot gas anomaly

District facilities staff updated the board on remediation work at Raytown South High, reporting that crews found an unusual gas/methane anomaly beneath the school's north parking lot and have incurred roughly $991,000 in costs to date.

Mr. Husted, who was asked to present the update, said the anomaly was first found Aug. 11 and the Well Done Foundation mobilized on Aug. 21. He said crews have identified 168 wells beneath the surface arranged in three loops; the west loop has been closed, the center loop has been the most problematic and crews have repaired or replaced 27 wells so far, with 24 of those on the center loop. “So far, we're right under 1,000,000 dollars in costs for around 991,000 to date,” he said.

Husted told the board the district is paying for work from remaining 2019 bond funds while conversations with insurance carriers continue. The district hosted an insurer site visit and has been educating insurers because this type of anomaly is uncommon; Husted said carriers have been cautious about coverage decisions.

Board members pressed for timing and budget limits; Husted said there is no firm completion timeline because gas migration in the subsurface can cause issues to appear in different locations as repairs progress. The district has daily onsite monitoring, methane detectors on doors at the north end of South High and at Hundon, and adjusted parking patterns for staff and visitors while work proceeds.

Husted said the district has paused other capital projects tied to the same bond funds until the scope and cost of this project are clearer.

What happens next: the district will continue repairs and retesting, pursue insurance resolution, and convene a capital improvements meeting to review priorities and remaining funds.