Meeker, School, Stories

Safety concerns prompt closure of new school

The “Do Not Enter” sign at the Meeker Elementary School now applies to students and staff until repairs can be made and safety assured.

MEEKER I Seven weeks after dedicating the new $18 million elementary school built by The Neenan Company, safety concerns about movement of the east wall of the gymnasium forced the closure of the gymnasium from Oct. 6 to Nov. 9 last fall. Now, after an independent review of the new building, school board members made the decision to close the whole building to students because of safety concerns.
The Meeker School District issued the following statement after a special meeting held to discuss the independent review Aug. 6, 2011:
“In view of the information the board has received with respect to the concerns relative to the structural bracing of the elementary school, the board authorizes the superintendent to remove students from the building and take the appropriate steps to provide for their education, including modifying the school calendar.”
More than 25 students attending summer school classes at the Meeker Elementary School, will spend their final week in classrooms at Barone Middle School.
The 2011-2012 school schedule has already been modified, as a “district update” on the Meeker School District’s website (www.meeker.k12.co.us), reads:
“The Meeker School District has been made aware of the structural concerns regarding the Meeker Elementary School. In conjunction with the project team, we are currently developing an action plan to get these issues resolved. The safety of students and staff is our number one priority and we are committed to addressing the issues in a manner that maximizes safety and minimizes the disruption of school operations. The starting date of the school year for all Meeker School District students has been moved (from Aug. 23) to Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2011.”
“The Neenan Company has been made aware of the structural concerns regarding Meeker Elementary School,” company president Randy Myers wrote. “We are currently reviewing the third party structural report and developing an action plan to resolve the issues. The safety of students and staff is our number one priority and we are committed to addressing all issues in a timely manner that maximizes safety and minimizes the disruption of school operations.”
“The concerns are fixable. The school is not sinking and the foundation is stable,” school board president Mary Strang said. “We hope to know more the first part of next week,” Strang said.
Strang said a public meeting will be held when a plan is finalized.

 

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It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
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Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
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The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
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