Aniak Junior/Senior High School's gym in Alaska is slated for demolition due to potential roof collapse, prompting safety zones, evacuation drills, and relocation of students. Engineers are working to stabilize the building while awaiting further assessment.
ANIAK, Alaska - A structural emergency at the Aniak Schools Building has forced grades 6-12 out of their classrooms, triggered repeated evacuation drills, and set in motion plans for demolition of the junior-senior high school gym, all while engineers scramble to prevent a roof collapse district leaders say could happen without warning.
The Kuspuk School District closed the Aniak Junior/Senior High School gym in mid-January after maintenance officials received photos and videos showing alarming movement in the structure. An engineer later determined portions of the building were in imminent danger of collapse, prompting the district to designate red, yellow and green safety zones, relocate older students to the elementary wing, and begin emergency shoring work.Speaking at a community meeting at the Aniak Community Hall, Kuspuk School District maintenance director Branzon Anania said the district acted as soon as the problem became clear. “Pictures and videos were sent to me, and I asked that we immediately close the gym until I can get somebody out, a structural engineer, to take a look at the gym,” Anania said.“When he got out here, it was very clear,” Anania said. The engineer recommended demolition “as soon as possible” but allowed limited use of other parts of the school under strict safety zoning. “We have the zones... This is the area that is in imminent danger of collapse, red,” Anania said. “We have a yellow zone... we have an area that’s green.”Emergency shoring underway Construction crews arrived Jan. 31, according to Anania, and have been working to stabilize the roof with scaffolding and temporary supports. A multi-engineer assessment with insurance representatives is scheduled for Feb. 11, which will help determine the next steps, including whether portions of the building can be salvaged. “Right now, the focus is on shoring up the roof and making sure that it doesn’t collapse,” Anania said. “Then getting in, having the assessments done and creating a plan forward.”“When we’re looking at the facilities, it’s mostly going to be driven by what the insurance company is going to pay for,” Anania said.With the gym off limits, middle and high school students have been squeezed into the elementary side of the building, a cramped but functioning arrangement that principal Laura Anania said staff have worked hard to make functional. The district has conducted two evacuation drills, including a full exercise moving students from the school to a designated emergency relocation site. “The first time that we did the whole thing... it took us less than a minute and a half to exit the building,” Laura said.Students would instead be bussed to the relocation site, counted, and released only after administrators confirm everyone is accounted for.After Feb. 11, the district plans to reassess where junior high and high school classes will be held. Superintendent Madeline Aguillard said the district office and a TKC building are potential spaces, with the community hall also a possibility if needed. “But between our entities, I definitely am confident that we will have a space to provide education,” Aguillard said. She acknowledged the disruption goes beyond the classroom; it has upended basketball season, community events and student traditions. “I think everybody in this room knows how much more a building means to our community, especially in rural Alaska,” she said.“With my whole heart, I believe that you have to have an appropriate space to adequately receive education,” Aguillard said. “We will continue to hold community meetings... We will continue to post public notices at the store, the post office as well... And then of course, we will continue to update the district social media page.”Residents at the meeting raised concerns about senior night, regional tournaments and graduation, all events now clouded by uncertainty. As winter conditions complicate construction and evacuation planning, district leaders repeatedly emphasized their top priority: student and staff safety. For now, Aniak waits... For engineers, insurance decisions, and for clarity on the future of their school.An Anchorage security guard was shot while doing his job. Prosecutors say they can’t disprove self-defense.Police identify man killed in Kenai motel fire
School Collapse Alaska Demolition Safety
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why this New Jersey gym is known as the 'most dangerous gym in America'Diamond Gym doesn't just build muscle -- it tests the resolve of everyone who walks through the door.
Read more »
Bensalem school district faces financial crisis, possible 8% tax hikeBensalem School District in Bucks County is facing a severe financial crisis that may lead to a significant tax increase, prompting concern among residents.
Read more »
California school shutters over tuberculosis outbreak as state faces rates nearly double national averageIn-person classes at Archbishop Riordan High School in San Francisco have been suspended through at least Feb. 9 over a tuberculosis outbreak.
Read more »
Mat-Su school survey asks residents to rank cuts as district faces $23M shortfallOfficials say they plan to use the survey results to shape the district's spending plan.
Read more »
Texas school district faces possible state takeover for non-complianceThe Texas Education Agency (TEA) has announced that Northeast Independent School District (NEISD) is under scrutiny for allegedly failing to comply with state s
Read more »
Alaska Ferry System Faces Summer Shutdown Risk Due to Federal Grant DelayThe Alaska Marine Highway System is at risk of a shutdown this summer due to the federal government's failure to issue a key annual grant, potentially impacting tourism and ferry operations.
Read more »