During the summer of 2023, IJSHS was slated to receive upgrades to its HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air/Conditioning) system funded through Federal COVID grants. When the work began, some of the original ceiling and drywall areas that had been covered since the school was built in 1978 were exposed. Structural deficiencies in the roof-to-wall connection were discovered and brought to the attention of district administration.

According to Brandi Sweeney, Maintenance Coordinator for MCSD, the deficiencies were covered by the ceiling tiles from the drop ceiling and there would not have been a way to see the structural deficiencies in the years since the school was built. “Because of the finished drywall, as in any building that is completed, the deficiencies were not visible. The district had never been aware of potential structural issues in this school building,” Sweeney said.

Immediately, district staff worked with two structural engineers from Vector Structures, LLC and Pillar Consulting Group, Inc., and a local contractor from Rock Enterprises, Inc. Their task was to design and install temporary shoring in the building to make it safe for staff and students. The first phase of the shoring was done during Winter Break in December 2023 and the second phase was completed during Spring Break in March 2024. “We are so appreciative of the dedication of the contractor and his crew. Their willingness to work long hours and weekends to complete the necessary work was vital to making the building safe for staff and students without disruption to their education,” said Matt Combe, MCSD Superintendent.

Morrow County School District has spent about $372,000 on the temporary shoring. Combe said, “We want to ensure the community that the building is safe, but this is a short-term solution.” Moving forward, the district will have the building inspected once a year by a professional structural engineer until a long-term plan is established.

Morrow County School District

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a school bond?

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Why do school districts ask voters for bonds?

What is the difference between a bond and an operational levy?

What were MCSD’s recent bond and levy requests to the community?

Why is MCSD exploring a school bond now?

How old are the District’s buildings?

What are the structural issues at Irrigon Junior/Senior High?

What is the difference between my property’s Assessed Value (AV) and Real Market Value (RMV)?

How is the Assessed Value (AV) of farm properties determined?

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There is a line on my property tax statement for Morrow County Schools – what is this for?

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