Work was done on the roof this weekend to limit or prevent future damage.
By Eileen M. Adams
Staff Writer

RUMFORD – Late December’s heavy snow, rain and wind have resulted in damage to two SAD 43 schools and the Central Office. Damage estimates have not been tallied.

Buildings and Grounds Director Tim Gallant said about 18 leaks appeared in the Mountain Valley High School roof over Puiia Gymnasium, Room 302 and the principal’s office.

He said several leaks occurred at Rumford Elementary School resulting in damage to three or four classrooms. Leaks have also been noted at the district’s central office in Mexico.

By far, however, the greatest damage happened at the high school gym where several events planned for last weekend were moved to the gym at Mountain Valley Middle School in Mexico.

Gallant believes occasional summer torrential rains have not come close to the leaks caused by the recent winter rains. “There’s nothing like this,” he said.

The flat roof over a portion of the high school caused the drains to clog, eventually leading to leaks. Roofing people were at the high school this week clearing the roof and cutting the drains. Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency are expected to inspect the site this week as well.

Gallant said a couple of computers and several ceiling tiles were damaged, along with a portion of the gym floor where some splitting occurred.

With maintenance work under way, Gallant expects students will be able to use the gym during Saturday’s scheduled boys’ varsity basketball game and for all students when they return to classes on Monday.

He said the high school roof is scheduled for replacement in three years.

eadams@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link