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Within a few weeks of deciding who will take over ownership of the Longville Elementary School and property, Northland Community Schools is now facing a new wrinkle - a soggy building interior. On Monday, March 21, water damage was discovered, caused from an internal roof drainage pipe which apparently froze, burst, then thawed, emptying the roof's run-off inside the school building.

Interim Superintendent, Dr. Ron Bratlie said in a phone interview Wednesday, the district's insurance company has had adjusters on site twice. They were inside the building a few days following the discovery of the water. They returned on Tuesday only to discover the damage was worse than it had been during the initial inspection.

The damage is extensive, affecting nearly every part of the school's interior. The building's water supply pipes, which had been drained for the purpose of winterizing the building, did not play into the problem. The insurance policy, which lists the structure as vacated, does have a water exclusion. The interpretation of the exclusion clause will play a large role in determining the district's financial outcome and liability of the situation. Dr. Bratlie said, "Whenever you vacate a building, it's susceptible to loss."

Any proposals the district has received for the sale of the property are on hold, and won't be opened until the damage estimates have been received. At that time, the district is expected to find out how their insurance company wishes to proceed. Dr. Bratlie said, "There are so many if's right now."[[In-content Ad]]

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