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Board hears update on North Medford High School gym collapse; no injuries reported
Summary
Superintendent Bret Champion and facilities staff presented photos, a timeline and next steps after the North Medford High School gym collapsed; the district outlined relocation plans for activities and said insurance and engineering firms have been engaged.
Superintendent Bret Champion and Executive Director of Safety, Leadership and Facilities Ron Havniear briefed the Medford School District Board on Feb. 20 about the collapse of the North Medford High School gym and the district’s immediate response.
Havniear presented photos, video and a timeline of the incident, describing snow-reduction efforts prior to the collapse, outreach to shoring and engineering firms, coordination with the district’s insurer, a seismic assessment of the structure, and a relocation plan for physical education and extracurricular activities. Assistant Superintendent of Operations Brad Earl provided information on insurance coverage and next administrative steps. No injuries were reported in connection with the collapse.
Board members asked specific follow-up questions about preventative measures, how many shoring companies were contacted, who remained on the roof when a beam failed, whether portions of the gym might be preserved for investigation, and the transportation impacts of moving students for PE and practice. The board recessed the meeting during the presentation and resumed after a short break.
The district noted concern about misinformation on social media and said staff is coordinating with engineers and insurers to determine repair, demolition and evidence-preservation steps. The board did not take a formal action on the building at the Feb. 20 meeting; staff indicated further updates and decisions would be scheduled once engineering assessments and insurance reviews conclude.
