Strong winds last month lifted a number of fiberglass solar shading panels from the front entrance of the Woolwich Central School and their collision with the roof caused considerable damage. Insurance adjusters visited the school to assess the damage. The construction company's project supervisor and others also visited.

The panels are among some of the new school's technologically advanced features that allow staff to control how much sunlight enters the building, to save on energy costs and to bring natural sunlight into the front entryway and interior rooms of the school.

Principal Thomas Soule posted a notification about the wind-caused damage on the school website. He said the panels tore 68 holes in the rubber membrane as the wind whipped them over the roof's surface. Pictures he had on his computer showed a damaged ventilator, and areas where rain water had leaked into the school kitchen, cafeteria, music room and some bathrooms. 

Despite some water damage to ceiling tiles, sheetrock and some flooring, the school opened and classes were held without any issues being reported.

“The good news is that no one was hurt or injured,” Soule said.

Members of the Regional School Unit 1 Board of Directors expressed their concerns about the incident. Photos on Soule's computer showed screws used to hold the solar panels down that appear to be sticking out less than a full inch beyond the panel surfaces. School staff are concerned there may not have been enough screws put into place.

Board Chairman Tim Harkins said architect Rick Malm and contractor Ledgewood Constructon were on the site immediately upon hearing the news and are now doing all they can to fix the situation. 

Harkins also said he was thankful no one was around at the time of the wind storm, but wanted assurances from the contractor there are no other potential issues with the building.

RSU 1 Superintendent Patrick Manuel said he and others in the school district administration were disappointed on hearing about the incident.

“I appreciate the prompt response,” Manual said. “But someone could have been hurt. It shouldn't have happened.”

Manuel believes the size and number of screws used to hold the panels in place was inadequate. He said the damaged areas have been temporarily repaired, but wants to make sure that when the panels are re-installed workers test them to make sure they are stable.

Contractors have temporarily repaired the 68 holes in the rubber roof membrane and have covered the beams that held the panels in place, according to Soule. They plan to replace the roof entirely. In addition, bathroom ceiling tiles that had been filled with water and sheetrock will be replaced to prevent mold from growing.

After the storm, water appeared under one tile in the school cafeteria. Soule said water should not have seeped under the floor tile. He said he believed the seepage was caused by an insulation problem, which is a separate warranty issue. 

Soule said the insurance adjusters from the insurance companies representing the school district and construction company would negotiate who would pay for the damage; the school would not have to pay.

“As long as they repair it, I don't care who pays,” Soule said.

The contractors will meet with school administration next week to determine a timeline for the repairs.