School faces building problems

Significant water-related damage to Sisters High School is spurring school officials to investigate a legal remedy.

At its August 7 meeting, the school board, in a closed executive session, conferred with Steve Herron, Education Service District attorney, regarding possible facility-related litigation.

"We are exploring all issues related to getting the building repaired and we need legal help to sort through it," School Superintendent Steve Swisher later told The Nugget.

Swisher said more information was needed to pinpoint whether "poor design, workmanship, or craftsmanship" -- or a combination -- is responsible for the significant amounts of water which seem to be seeping in from the gymnasium roof.

School officials are keeping a weather eye out for winter. Heavy snows might make the school's problems even worse.

"We feel an urgency with winter approaching," Swisher said.

That urgency led the board to direct Swisher immediately to explore the possibility of consulting with a law firm expert in construction and contract law.

The seriousness of the problem, according to Swisher, became apparent this past fall.

Board member and construction company owner Steve Keeton then volunteered his expertise for a preliminary assessment. Keeton said he brought along several of his professional colleagues to investigate. After noting brown discoloration and mold on the outside of the building, material sagging from beneath the eaves, paint bubbling, and what appeared to be moisture damage inside the building, Keeton said inspection holes were drilled.

"We found lots of moisture -- in fact, foam insulation was soaked with water and another insulation product was just flaking off," Keeton said.

"At this time," Keeton continued, "I can't tell you everything that's wrong or how much it could cost for a fix -- we need to take a closer look.

"But," he added, "the amount of water and the number of places it's affecting mean more than just condensation problems -- it's probably water running from the roof and leaking in."

Keeton said the material (flashing) that should have protected the roof joints from moisture entry likely had failed.

The district has filed a claim with its insurance carrier, and Keeton expects a clearer picture of needed repairs to emerge after its inspection. A prior insurance claim for damage six years ago was denied.

In fact, multiple problems have plagued the building since its completion. Water flooding from too low a surface grading, front-roof leaking, and masses of snow falling onto unprotected walkways were the earliest problems. In 1994, a settlement was reached between Barber Barrett Turner, architects of the project, and the school district in the amount of $70,000.

Repairs to the building were coordinated by the project's general contractor, Chambers Construction and the Kirby Nagelhout Construction company. A private consulting company, Northwest Professional Services, advised the district.

Over the years, school maintenance personnel have continually had to patch up the effects of the water damage. Now, the district is looking at the warranties for materials and work, as well as the statute of limitations, to determine its options. The board and superintendent hope to effect a permanent solution this time.

At its next meeting, August 31, the board expects to decide on its next course of action.