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Olympia: IAC Closes Down Capital High School With Snow Storm

author: Repost
Jan 02, 2009 14:54

Repost

OLYMPIA – Capital High School won't open as scheduled Monday because engineers discovered damaged natural-gas lines that will have to be repaired and relocated, and it's unknown when students will be able to return to the school, a district official said Thursday.

School officials plan to meet through the weekend to discuss what's next, Assistant Superintendent Jim Crawford said. All other schools in the Olympia School District will reopen Monday, he said.

About 2,500 square feet of Capital High's roof collapsed in December under the weight of more than a foot of heavy snow.

Crawford said the collapsing roof caused a water line to break, resulting in water damage inside the school, but engineers also discovered it had damaged a natural-gas line.

"That's what's holding us up now from reopening," he said, adding that he appreciates the patience and support that residents have shown.

Capital High is in west Olympia and serves about 1,400 students, according to the district's Web site.

Jennifer Thompson, whose son, Zack, is in ninth grade there, said Thursday that she's pleased the district is taking the extra precautions for staff members and students, but she also is concerned about how the district plans to make up the missed school days.

"I hope they aren't going to reduce spring break or extend the school year," she said. Thompson said she hopes families aren't further inconvenienced but also hopes that the district considers all options for how to make up the missed days.

Snow caused the school to close Dec. 17-19, which was followed by the school's regularly scheduled winter break. Typically, the school has reopened after New Year's Day, she said.

"It's going to be made up somewhere," Thompson said.

Days lost to snow normally are made up at the end of the school year, but no decision about that has been made for this year, Crawford said. A plan for alternative school sites, in case Capital High can't reopen soon, also hasn't been determined.

"Our entire focus is getting the school back open at Capital High School," he said.

Rolf Boone is a reporter at The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5403 or  rboone@theolympian.com

 http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/714297.html

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