Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 15, 1994 TAG: 9402150153
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
As the ice began to melt Monday, school officials began to dig out from the storm that damaged roofs, caused mechanical problems and knocked out electricity and water at many schools.
In Roanoke, the roof at Persinger Hall at Patrick Henry High School was damaged and will have to be replaced at an estimated cost of $75,000.
The roofs on Roanoke Academy and Round Hill elementary schools and James Madison Middle School also leaked, but not as badly as Patrick Henry, said Richard Kelley, assistant superintendent for operations.
Kelley said ice built up on the roof vents and clogged drains. When the ice melted, the water drained inside the buildings, he said.
School officials are obtaining bids for replacing the Patrick Henry roof so a contract can be awarded tonight by the School Board on an emergency basis.
One classroom in Persinger Hall could not be used because of the water damage, but school officials hope it will be available by today.
Some school officials are worried that more leaks and roof problems might occur this week as the ice melts during the day and freezes at night.
"If you have a crack, the melting ice will fill it up during the day and then freeze at night," said Michael Bryant, Salem's assistant superintendent.
Roofs on several schools in Salem leaked and caused inconvenience when schools reopened Monday, but there was no major damage, Bryant said.
In Roanoke County, custodial and maintenance crews worked throughout the weekend to mop up water that leaked into several schools.
Homer Duff, the county's director of facilities and operations, said water knocked several hundred ceiling tiles to the floor and left the carpet soggy in some offices.
"We had many classrooms where tile had fallen, but we cleaned it up so schools could reopen," he said.
Duff said he did not have an immediate estimate of the water damage or the overtime pay for the crews that worked during the weekend.
Power was not restored to Glenvar High School until late Sunday.
Schools were open Monday in Roanoke, Salem and Roanoke County, but the county opened one hour late because of icy streets.
Bedford County schools remained closed Monday, however, because electricity was still out at Boonsboro Elementary and the Bedford Education Center.
Power was restored to the Boonsboro school late Monday afternoon. And Appalachian Power promised that electricity would be restored to the education center by today, said Superintendent John Kent.
Jefferson Forest and Liberty high schools had minor water damage.
Bedford County schools will open two hours late today, and buses will travel on snow routes.
"We want to get the kids into school so they can get food," said Amy Smith, a spokeswoman for the school system. "We're afraid some of our kids on the breakfast and lunch programs aren't getting any food."
Franklin County opened two hours late Monday because officials feared children might fall on the ice, but the schools didn't suffer major storm damage.
"We came out fairly well," said Superintendent Leonard Gereau. Power to all schools was restored by Sunday, and only one school, Rocky Mount Elementary, had water damage.
Power and heat were still out Monday at Troutville Elementary School in Botetourt County. But that was no disruption, because county schools were closed for a scheduled parent-teacher conference day.
"Fortunately, we had planned to be closed today," Superintendent Clarence McClure said.
The roofs on Botetourt Intermediate, Cloverdale Elementary and Troutville Elementary leaked.
Electricity was restored to the Troutville schools late Monday, and Botetourt schools will be open today, McClure said.
McClure said some roofs leaked despite the fact that Botetourt spends $200,000 a year for roof repair and maintenance.
"Even though our roofs are in pretty good condition, we still had some leaks," he said. "It was about as bad as it ever gets out here."
by CNB