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District details damage and recovery timeline after May 10 fire at Ellis Middle School
Summary
District staff and facilities described sprinkler activation, immediate mitigation, insurance and repair steps after an early‑May fire at William Ellis Middle School; cafeteria repairs are expected before school starts, the gym floor likely will be completed mid‑July, and the stage remains under investigation.
District staff provided a multi‑part update on the May 10 fire at William Ellis Middle School that was triggered when sprinklers activated during a lighting incident on the stage.
Clay, a district facilities staff member, summarized the timeline: security reported dropped water pressure and the fire department responded within about 15–30 minutes; sprinklers discharged and crews extinguished the fire. Staff identified stage lighting equipment as the likely origin of the incident and removed similar lights districtwide for inspection. "Our partnership in the county with our first responders is second to none," Clay said, describing how fire crews and district maintenance worked together to control the situation and begin cleanup. Servpro was engaged for water and soot remediation and district staff inventoried student items recovered from lockers and storage.
The district listed preliminary damages and planned repairs: a new gym floor will be required and was expected to begin installation in mid‑July (a six‑to‑eight‑week process), extensive cleaning and ceiling tile replacement in the cafeteria, and replacement or cleaning of stage curtains and lighting. Staff said the cafeteria portion of the building could be finished before the school year begins, but the gym floor and stage work will take longer and the stage remained under formal insurance and fire marshal review.
Dr. Belcher and staff said the district is coordinating with its insurance adjuster and the fire marshal's office; staff expect insurance to cover repairs under the district's blanket policy, though they cautioned standard claim processes and valuation discussions can take time. Board members asked whether smoke detectors in theatrical spaces should be added; staff said quotes were requested and the district is evaluating similar installations at other middle schools. The district committed to return with specific cost estimates and timelines once insurance and consultant reports are complete.
