Roof leaking at Taft Middle School

Boy, MAPS for Kids couldn't have come sooner!

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"Rain Causes Problems At Taft Middle School
Leaky Roof Raises Fears Of Electrical Issues In Classrooms

POSTED: 3:24 pm CST November 17, 2004
UPDATED: 5:52 pm CST November 17, 2004

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Taft Middle School was forced to juggle some classrooms Wednesday after a leaky roof raised safety concerns in some parts of the building.

The 74-year-old school, which is located at Northwest 23rd Street and May Avenue, has leaks in its math and special education rooms that have worsened since a weeklong rain spell began last week.

Although it's not uncommon for older school to have such problems, school administrators say the leaks could cause potentially deadly faults in the school's electrical system.

Vice Principal Reggie Smith said the rain rarely leaks on the walls of the classrooms. However, he said administrators and faculty are taking precautions in case that happens.

"Depending on the saturation, it's like a sweating-wall situation," Smith said. "Normally, you don't see the water running down the walls."

Smith said the math classroom has been temporarily relocated down the hall in the school library. He said students will stay there until the rain stops.

A new roof is also on the way. But Smith said it won't be installed this winter.

"It's part of the MAPS for Kids project," Smith said. "We have had contractors come and do building maintenance ... they're doing what they can."

Smith said that when the rain stops and the classroom is dry, math classes will be moved back to their normal location.

Major renovations are scheduled for the school, but Smith said the plans have not been completed."

Anyone need an umbrella?