Bridge Street Middle School Gymnasium Floor Damaged By Water

WHEELING -- A clogged roof drain recently caused the gymnasium at Bridge Street Middle School to flood, ruining the floor.

Cost for a new floor is covered through the school district's insurance, but there is concern that there is asbestos under the floor, Assistant Superintendent Rick Jones told Ohio County Board of Education members Monday night.

If there is asbestos under the floor, teachers and students would have to be re-located as it is removed, he said. School officials this week should learn Wednesday asbestos is present.

Total replacement of the floor is expected to take "several months," according to Jones and Brian Harto, director of maintenance for Ohio County Schools.

"We're going to find out Wednesday if there is indeed asbestos, and the time it's going to take to remove the asbestos," Jones said.

"That's going to be tricky. Do the teachers have to be vacated completely from the building, or can they be in there and block it off enough so there is no danger.

"If we can stay in there, that will be great. We'll get it done as soon as we can."

Ohio County School Service Personnel Association President Jerry Ames said he believes his workers can block off the gym to contain any asbestos during removal.

Board President Zach Abraham said the school should be able to make alternative arrangements at the YMCA in Elm Grove for any athletic activities.

"They can make do," Jones said. "Volleyball is going to be tough. Basketball is going to be brutal."

In other matters, representatives of the Siemens Corporation presented the board with a grant check for more than $27,000, to purchase science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) items for use in the classroom.

The money already has been used to STEM-related Lego kits, some of which were on display at Monday night's meeting.

The board next meets at 6 p.m. on Sept. 9 at the board office, 2203 National Road, Elm Grove.