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November 4, 2009 Update on Antilles Schools Damage Assessment and Repair

Antilles Schools will reopen for ALL students on Monday, Nov. 9, 2009

We are monitoring the repairs to the three schools at Fort Buchanan with great attention to detail and safety. Repairs are going according to plan and all safety concerns will have been addressed. We look forward to the students’ return on Monday. We are still discussing how to make up the lost instruction time and will let you know about that.

Some repair work will continue. Necessary repairs will have been made with either a permanent fix or a phase-one fix that corrects any safety concerns. The phase-two permanent fix will be completed when students are not present.

You may be interested to know that the primary damage from the explosion resulted from a change in air pressure and a seismic event that shook the buildings in an inconsistent manner as the tremor moved through the ground. As a result, roughly 10 percent of our windows were broken, some doors were bent, and much of the ceiling grid shifted causing ceiling tiles and light fixtures to fall. The assessment team conducted an initial walk-through and then proceeded with a room-by-room assessment where they noted the damage needing repair. They assessed from a highly technical perspective and were able to see if there was any structural damage that might not be obvious to the untrained eye.

Their findings revealed that a more detailed inspection of the ceiling grid in every area of each school and the district office was needed.  Damaged grids were removed. Every ceiling mounted light fixture was evaluated to ensure it was not damaged and then it was remounted to guarantee it would not fall even if the grid failed.  This work was very time consuming. Of course, all broken/damaged windows are being temporarily covered with wood. The contractor will return to install glass, and where necessary the entire window, during a time that will not impact instruction.

Upon their return, our students will see that repairs continue and they will see a couple areas that are off-limits and identified with construction tape/rope.  These areas include the AES outdoor gyms and the AHS auditorium. A tent is being installed to provide a temporary outdoor gym for AES. Next week the contractor will begin to remove damaged sheetrock on the walls and ceiling. A completion date for the auditorium and outdoor gyms will be established once the contractor is able to determine the scope of the work.

As you can imagine there are many other little items which have also been addressed. Our commitment has been to resume instruction as quickly as possible, knowing that we have safe and secure facilities for students and staff.  If you have any questions please contact your school’s administrators.  Each school office is up and running.  We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. 

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