There isn’t anything alluring about a school roof. It serves as a necessary cover, but it isn’t a showpiece. People can see computers or books or instruments.
But a leaky roof is a hazard, and teachers at Homewood’s Churchill School could tell you how they’ve had to deal with the leaks and drips.
This summer, the biggest bill District 153 paid was $1.5 million for a new roof and downspouts at Churchill School, 1300 190th St. Work crews from Riddiford Roofing Co. found rotting wood, ruined insulation and bad drain tiles. The work took all summer.
During a District 153 Committee of the Whole meeting Aug. 12, Superintendent Scott McAlister flashed pictures of the roof problems workers discovered.
“I think everyone knows our facilities need some love. It’s just that when you see it in these terms it’s really stark,” he said.
sections had to be cut out and replaced. (Provided News)
Next summer, roof replacement will be at Willow School. The pricetag is estimated at $2.3 million. Eric Trimberger, chief school business official, said the roof has more square footage than Churchill, so the price is higher.
The district did save about $250,000 by working directly with the roofing company rather than hiring an architect for the Churchill job. Trimberger said the board can do the same for the Willow School project.
The school board can also expect a $500,000 bill sometime in the next two years as its share of a new roof and HVAC work on the Sports Complex at James Hart School. District 153 uses the gym during school hours and after school it is used by the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District. That roof is 25 years old. The roof over James Hart is 31 years old.
“There are hundreds of thousands of dollars in deferred maintenance and basically with the budget we’re taking a slight deficit,” Trimberger said. The district’s budget “is tight from having to meet these deferred maintenance costs.”
