SEWER DRAIN WILL CLOSE PART OF PLEASANT HILL SCHOOL - Initial Repair Costing Over $900,000

(08/05/2008)
By Bob Weaver

Pleasant Hill Elementary School has some major problems with a sewer drain that runs the entire length of the downstairs hallway, the malfunction was reported to county board members a couple months ago.

Calhoun superintendent of schools Jane Lynch said adjustments will have to be made for school to open in the building later this month.

Lynch told board members TV cameras had been put in the drains to evaluate the extent of corrosion. "It's really bad," she said, lamenting that the contractor that installed the drains is no longer in business.

Lynch said a meeting with School Building Authority, Director Mark Manchin and other officials indicates the county will receive $900,000 to $1 million dollars for the first phase of correcting the problem.

"It will be issued as emergency funding," she said.

The main floor of the school will be sealed off and classes will be conducted on the second floor. Emergency drains for second story restrooms will be installed.

The cafeteria will also be closed, and food will likely be delivered from Calhoun Middle-High School.

Lynch also announced another problem discovered in the school. "The building has some asbestos tile, which will be removed later," she said.

"When the building was built, it was to have contained no asbestos," she said. "It is not a problem for student safety unless it is disturbed," indicating the replacement of a new sewer line could create that problem.

Parents and concerned community members are encouraged to attend a meeting at the CCCOA - Grantsville Senior Center on August 14 at 5:30 p.m., at which time questions can be asked regarding the situation.