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Six schools sustained flood damage; district outlines remediation steps and insurance options
Summary
District operations and contractors described flood damage to multiple schools, ongoing remediation by SERVPRO and partners, and insurance and FEMA options; administrators warned the event will strain the district’s budget and may require reallocating funds.
District operations staff and administrators told the Finance, Buildings and Grounds Committee that six district buildings were affected by the April storm and subsequent flooding and that immediate response and remediation are underway.
"We had six buildings that particular night on Friday that were affected by the storm in different capacities," said the facilities presenter (Mr. Leader, S4), thanking internal staff and vendors for rapid response and listing specific staff who supported site work and triage. Mr. Leader and others described sandbagging, water removal, moisture testing and debris removal; SERVPRO, EMC, JP Cullen, EUA, Schumacher Elevator and other contractors are engaged in remediation and mechanical assessment.
When asked whether anyone was injured, the facilities presenter responded, "0 that I'm aware of," and repeated that the immediate priority was safety and stabilizing buildings so students can return when safe.
On insurance coverage and recovery, Dan McCray (S3) told the committee the district carries a minimal flood policy because most buildings are not in flood plains and that the claim is likely to exceed the policy's low six‑figure limit. "I can tell you we pretty much have exceeded that already," McCray said. He added that the city manager has made initial inquiries about declaring a disaster area and that the district can pursue FEMA reimbursement if the community qualifies.
Administrators warned the remediation work will pressure the district’s operating budget and could force delays of nonessential purchases or capital replacements. McCray said staff are reviewing possible year‑end budget transfers and prioritizing repairs: "It is a significant hit to our budget. We may not be able to get the facilities team a new pickup or two. We may not be able to make some investments in instructional supports within the classroom, that are needed, but will most likely need to be delayed."
Staff described operational next steps: finalize insurance adjuster findings, complete environmental testing and remediation, proceed with mechanical repairs (boilers, air handlers) and schedule build‑back work. The committee heard examples of rapid community support — school staff and students in host schools welcomed displaced students and donated supplies — and administrators committed to provide regular updates as remediation and insurance processes move forward.
The committee requested follow‑up on estimated total repair costs, a timeline for returning affected schools to full operation, and any FEMA application actions; staff said those items are being developed as insurance assessments and environmental testing conclude.
