Published: May 22, 2008 12:01 am      

LOCKPORT SCHOOLS: District will fix high school pool roof

In an effort to fix the roof over the pool at Lockport High School in a timely manner, the district has sent an emergency resolution to the state education department to get approval to start the project as soon as possible.

The district announced at Wednesday’s school board meeting the roof was in terrible shape, and while nothing has happened yet, it could pose a safety issue if left untreated. Instead of just patching up the roof, Superintendent Terry Ann Carbone said, which would have not been in the district’s best interest, a new roof will be put in.

“We are moving forward with general repair work on our roof over the pool,” Carbone said. “It was discovered that the roof was in disrepair. We are going to move forward with a totally new roof.”

Sarnafil Representatives conducted a “core cut” investigation of the roof earlier in the year. Mark Wildschutz, a roof consultant with Roof Inspec Inc. who supervised the investigation, said about 50 percent of the roof had been compromised. Last year, part of the roof was damaged from a wind storm and water had seeped in beneath it. That, along with the moisture and water vapor from the pool, put the entire roof into bad shape.

Fixing it would be an inconvenience for the district, but Wildschutz said the roof had a high potential to become a safety issue. There haven’t been any problems yet, but the district should act before something does, he said.

“We want to be proactive and prevent anything from happening,” Wildschutz said.

The pool was built in 1956 and is on its third roof system. Wildschutz said the plan is to remove the existing gypsum deck, which is under the roof, upgrading the lighting and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. The new system would have additional drains, a vapor barrier and additional insulation.

“If we ignore it, it will be a travesty,” Wildschutz said. “When we get this done, it will be something you can enjoy for many years.”

Wildschutz said the roof was still under warranty, and a claim was sent to the manufacturer. There is no timetable yet, as the district is waiting for state approval, but board member Thomas Fiegl said the school board would push the project to get done as soon as possible. It could take as long as November.

There is no plan yet with where summer swimming programs will take place. The swim team’s season can begin as early as August. Athletic Director Patrick Burke said he expects other districts will probably help out by hosting meets.

The cost of fixing the roof hasn’t been figured out yet, but Deborah Coder, assistant superintendent for finance and management services, said it would be funded by state EXCEL aid. She said she was confident that there would be no tax impact on residents.

Contact reporter Joe Olenick at 439-9222, ext. 6241.