Ketchum Schools In Craig County Closed Until Friday

Ketchum Public Schools&nbsp;will be&nbsp;out&nbsp;until Friday&nbsp;after a water leak flooded parts of the high school.<br /><br /><a href="http://kotv.com/utils/slideshow2/?id=c364f465-6ee5-4cec-9423-49bb434a5159 " target="_blank">View A Slideshow Of The Flooding</a>

Monday, September 27th 2010, 8:11 am

By: News On 6


By Emory Bryan, The News On 6

KETCHUM, OKLAHOMA -- Ketchum Public Schools will be out until Friday after a water leak flooded parts of the high school.

School was also out on Monday. The break was discovered at 6:30 Monday morning. 

The school has mobilized a disaster recovery firm, and is using staff to help with the cleanup.

The superintendent, Rick Pool, said the source of the problem was a small pipe in the wall by a science lab.

"It went probably three-fourths of the way down the hallway," Pool said. "When we got here this (Monday) morning, it wasn't just standing; it was standing on top of the carpet.

The water flooded out of a wall in a science classroom, and ran into hallways, classrooms and the library, where thankfully, the books were just beyond reach.

Start the slideshow

Since there was chance the shelves would soak up water and damage the books, the staff formed a book brigade to clear out the library. All of the books were moved out to a room next door that was dry.

"So they're going to have to raise the shelves and dry it, so this is the quickest way possible," said Joy Taylor, Middle School Teacher.

The books were saved, but there's plenty of work to be done everywhere else

The lockers are being removed from hallways so the drywall underneath can be removed and replaced. The carpeting is wet and dozens of vans are in place in an attempt to dry out the building.

While the superintendent figures the work will take several days, he knows it would take several days more if not for everyone who pitched in.

"Our entire staff is here today, our teachers, custodians, para professionals, secretaries, everyone is here working to help," Pool said.

Even though the leak was near the gymnasium, the water went the other way, so the gym floor wasn't hurt.

The superintendent says there will be no school Tuesday in Ketchum and they'll make the decision about Wednesday sometime Tuesday.

Pool said the district has contacted a local church as a possible alternate site for classes, since the high school repairs may take three days. 

The high school was built in 1994.

 

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