Waterville School Seeks New Roof

“What are you planning to do about the school roof?” It was one of the first questions I faced when I took over as Waterville School District Superintendent on July 1, 2011. I didn’t know much about the roof, or roofs in general, in July. All I knew is that the Waterville school roof has been leaking for years. I certainly have learned more about roofs, and specifically the Waterville School roof, since then that I ever thought possible. I have learned that roofing materials must fit the region and climate and that tile, such as what we have on our roof, is not functional for long in the Waterville climate. I have also learned that several attempts to “patch” our school roof have failed because too many tiles are broken, which allows water to penetrate our building in multiple ways and locations.

I have learned that the problem goes back to the design that called for a tile roof to be installed in a region that experiences extreme temperature changes and frequent heavy snowfalls. According to Dick Stoddard, member of the Waterville School Board during the design and remodel, “The architect assured everyone that the tile roof would be fine for Waterville’s climate and would last longer than other types of roofing!” The “100 year snowfall” during the winter of 1996 required over 30 people to shovel the roof, resulting in many broken roof tiles. Insurance claims helped pay labor and repair costs from that event. Unfortunately, soon after that extensive repair, leaks in various parts of the building began to occur. By that time, our ability to pursue legal action against the architect had expired, and we were left with the option of replacing broken tiles or replacing the entire roof. Because of the severe drop in student enrollment and because we were still paying off the original bond for the building project, the board decided to continue to make roof repairs using left over tiles. Now, we find ourselves in a dilemma; the roof tiles no longer are manufactured. We have only one option; to replace the roof with material that will withstand Waterville’s harsh climate. Leaks to date have not resulted in structural damage to the building, but failure to replace the roof now will jeopardize the original 10 million dollar investment. That is the bad news.

The good news is that we now understand what must be done and we believe that we have the community spirit and support to take care of this problem once and for all. The Waterville School Board, with expert advice from reputable building designers, is asking the Waterville community for help. According to contractor estimates, we will be able to replace the roof while keeping the tax rate near the same rate that our community paid to support our recent Transportation Vehicle levy, which has given us 5 new buses and the resources to purchase buses in the future.

The Waterville School district continues to seek outside resources to repair our facilities. A recent grant provided a cover and stairs at the back of the building and a recently awarded grant will replace the emergency sprinkler system. Unfortunately, outside funding to cover the roof replacement is not available and this project needs to be done now.

The board and I feel fortunate to lead a school district that shows so much promise. Student achievement is strong and getting even better. Staff, school board and community share a common vision that demonstrates a strong value for public education. Coming together to support a solution to the roof problem will only make us that much stronger.

Cathi Nelson, Superintendent/Principal
Waterville School District