High school, two middle schools suffer more water damage Friday

The roofing projects at Ponca City Senior High School and East and West Middle Schools suffered water damage as a result of the significant rain storm that occurred Friday morning, Aug. 2.

The schools have been in the process of working to get roof replacements completed before school starts on Aug. 14.

“Mother Nature surprised us with a downpour, resulting in all three schools receiving some water damage,” Bret Smith, Executive Director of Operations for the Ponca City Public School District, said.

“East Middle School was hit the hardest on the east side of the roof, where the roof area was not completely dried to prevent rain from entering the building. When the driving rain came down this morning it took out ceiling tiles and soaked flooring as well as many books, computers and other furnishings. Rick Scott Construction and Coryell Roofing responded with ‘all hands on deck’ and called two disaster restoration companies to assist with remediation efforts,” Smith said. “The restoration companies will work night and day to make sure the water is removed, dried out in all areas, dehumidified, and disinfected so we can safely have school.

“This will be an inconvenience to our staff as we get ready for school to begin and accept students in a couple of weeks, but we will make every effort to make it as painless as possible,” Smith said. “Clean-up will be intense. Replacing ceiling tiles will be the most time-consuming part of the job as they must be counted, ordered, and installed. We can get more books for students and dry out equipment and furniture. Our staff will see that school will start on time, but not without effort.”

Smith said the High School and West Middle School had minor damage and clean-up will be fairly easy and quick.

“Rick Scott Construction Company is seeing that we are well taken care of and will do whatever it takes for us to get back on track,” Smith said.