Flood repairs take shape at high school

Many sections of Emmaus High School damaged by a flooded last month are back in use, or nearly so.

The flooding happened Nov. 2 during heavy rain, when leaves and other debris blocked sewer drains and created a torrent that swept into the main entrance of the building. The water damaged more than 40 classrooms, the main office, auxiliary gym and wrestling room.

Classes were cancelled for a week as restoration company RestoreCore began repairing or replacing drywall, flooring, carpeting and equipment.

The company placed 400 utility fans, industrial dehumidifiers and drying systems through the building to prevent mold growth.

In a message to parents Tuesday, Principal Kate Kieres said four rooms across from the main office are back in service. They will be used for Keystone Exam testing until Dec. 17, when normal classes will resume.

The auxiliary gym, which needed a new floor, is expected to be open by the time students return from winter break, if not before. The weight room and wrestling room will return to regular use after winter sports season is done.

The hard-hit main office still needs carpeting, cabinetry and other work and there is no timetable for completion, Kieres said. In the meantime, the visitor entrance and student attendance office will remain in the auditorium lobby.

Last month, disaster mitigation specialists told the East Penn School Board the damage could have been much worse were it not for the quick action of school maintenance employees, who were able to get the water out of the building within two to three hours.

“Throughout the past few weeks, our students have shown tremendous kindness and patience while navigating an adjusted floor plan and other associated inconveniences,” Kieres said. “On behalf of the entire faculty, staff, and administration...I’d like to thank you and your children for your flexibility, generosity, and understanding.”