News : IBSSS Superintendent Clancy describes storm damage

by Patrick Clancy, Superintendent

Iowa Braille School

The storm that struck Benton and surrounding counties on July 11, 2011 did substantial damage to the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton. The storm came through before sunrise last Monday. On campus that morning were 140 AmeriCorps volunteers, a small number of students who are blind and visually impaired from around the state, and the staff to support those programs. The really good news is that no one was hurt. The students, staff and AmeriCorps members were safe in the tunnel system that extends between the buildings.

The storm left the most significant damage to the Old Main building, Cottage and the grounds. All other buildings sustained some damage to roofs, windows, doors and siding. Old Main lost its roof and roof structure on the north and south sides of the building and sustained damage to the center section of the roof. Interior damage to Old Main is minimal. The cement foundation on the attic floor prevented greater damage to the interior of the building. Building content, including artifacts, are protected from the elements.

Cottage, which is an AmeriCorps leased building for dormitory space, sustained considerable interior water damage due to a puncture to the roof structure on the west side of the building causing a water line to break. The emergency response has included protection to the roof damage and the cleanup and control of moisture in the building.

The beautiful IBSSS grounds sustained substantial damage to the mature trees on campus. Removal of debris has happened during this first phase and about 150 trees will need to be taken out because of how severely they were damaged.

The University of Iowa was with us throughout last week on the emergency response phase. We had support from risk management, public safety, environmental services, facilities, landscaping and grounds and electrical services from the University. They worked closely with our supervisor of facilities in the emergency response.

Iowa State University is working with us on the recovery phase. Plans are underway for a temporary roof structure for Old Main that will protect us from the elements until a replacement roof structure can be designed and constructed. The process will certainly extend into next spring and summer.

Many have contributed to our response and beginning recovery and their contributions are greatly appreciated. We will recover and will keep you informed of our progress.

View a Slideshow at the link below:
http://www.iowa-braille.k12.ia.us/vslideshow/viewer.v?&slideshow_id=4e271ff3e6319