Irrigon Jr./Sr. High School gets a temporary fix
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, August 14th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
IRRIGON – As part of the Morrow County School District’s regular maintenance budget, Irrigon Jr./Sr. High School was receiving some upgrades to its HVAC system. When the work began, a problem was found as workers removed a drop ceiling.
Some of the original ceiling and drywall areas that had been covered since the school was built in 1978 were exposed. Workers discovered structural deficiencies in the roof-to-wall connection and brought the problem to the attention of the administration.
“Because of the finished drywall, as in any building that is completed, the deficiencies were not visible,” MCSD Maintenance Coordinator Brandi Sweeney said. “The district had never been aware of potential structural issues in this school building.”
District staff began working with structural engineers from Vector Structures LLC and Pillar Consulting Group, Inc. along with a local contractor from Rock Enterprises, Inc. to design and install temporary shoring to make it safe for staff and students. The first phase of the work was done over winter break in 2023 and the second phase was completed during spring break in March.
“We are so appreciative of the dedication of the contractor and his crew,” MCSD Superintendent Matt Combe said. “Their willingness to work long hours and weekends to complete the necessary work was vital to making the building safe for staff and students without disruption to their education.”
The school district has spent about $372,000 on the temporary shoring from its own budget. A bond is being considered for 2025 and the permanent fix could be included in it. A committee has been formed to study possible projects and this is one that’s being considered. Combe stressed that the fix is temporary. The district will have the building inspected by a professional structural engineer annually until a long-term plan for a permanent fix is established.
