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Board hears extensive storm-damage report; district outlines repairs and safety fixes
Summary
District facilities staff reported widespread water damage from a recent storm at several Caldwell schools, including significant damage at Syringa and the high school; crews are removing water, replacing finishes and testing for environmental safety, and trustees requested a letter to the mayor for added street lighting near a school crosswalk.
Facilities staff presented damage assessments and repair plans after a recent severe storm during the July 13 Caldwell School District board meeting.
Mister Carrera (plant/facilities presenter) told trustees that Syringa sustained the most extensive flooding, with water entering classrooms through a combination of roof and tunnel-system drainage failures. "Syringa took the biggest hit during the storm," Carrera said, describing efforts to extract water, remove damaged drywall and lockers, replace ceiling tiles and bring in an environmental company for testing before rebuilding.
Carrera said other buildings had varying levels of impact: Lincoln Elementary experienced basement water but minimal damage to files; Jefferson and Wilson required carpet cleaning and sump-pump replacement after tunnel flooding; the high school sustained damage across the kitchen, athletics, concessions, music and choir areas but crews expect repairs to be completed before school starts. The district plans parking-lot slurry coating, sidewalk work to connect a north crosswalk directly to the school and gym refinishing, and noted that some construction sequencing required temporary gym closure.
Trustees questioned how the district would respond if similar storms occurred during the school year. Carrera said the damage was worse at sites undergoing construction (plywood-covered windows and removed roof surfaces) and that the volume of water in a short period overwhelmed normal drainage. He also reported tree debris contributed to blocked drains at Jefferson.
Separately, trustees raised pedestrian-safety concerns for the block of Montana between Linden and nearby school access points, noting a past student collision in that area. Trustees asked Superintendent Montoya to draft a letter to Mayor Phillips requesting additional lighting; Montoya agreed to prepare and send the letter within a week.
Board members said they will continue monitoring repair timelines, budgets and contractor communications as the district readies facilities for the upcoming school year.
