Sutherlin School District facilities repair update

At the end of February, Sutherlin suffered from severe winter weather that damaged the interior and exterior areas of some facilities at Sutherlin High School.

The ice damming on the gym’s roof caused water to leak inside the north and south walls of the building. It also damaged the insulation, ceiling, ceiling tiles and gym floors. Along with the gym, the choir room, band room, drama room and weight room were also damaged and are also not being used at this time.

The school district’s insurance company predicted that the repairs would cost $1.35 million.

Sutherlin School District Superintendent Terry Prestianni says the repair workers are working tirelessly to get the facilities back in service before the 2019-20 school year begins.

“We’re waiting to have the gym floor torn out and we’re looking to be back in our band room by the end of April or the start of May, and then we’re looking at locker rooms and weight rooms after that,” Prestianni said. “It will probably be a while for the drama room, but we’re hoping to have most of the classrooms done right at the beginning of summer, and have the gym done between the middle and end of summer.”

Despite the buildings being closed for repairs, students, faculty and staff have adjusted well to the changes and have not let it affect their daily routine.

Prestianni praised the Sutherlin School District, saying, “It’s a testament to our students, it’s a testament to our staff, and it’s a testament to our community that we can make it through hard times and we can do great things.”