DELTA'S HIGH SCHOOL CRUMBLING

DELTA -- A patch job on the crumbling west wall at the Delta High School should begin today, weather permitting.

But replacing the fallen bricks provides only a temporary solution to the aged building's problems, said Superintendent Larry Beshears. The district is considering an April bond issue for building repairs and perhaps new construction.

The superintendent said school will resume Monday. Classes were canceled Thursday and today after bricks began toppling off the third story of the old high school building.

Thursday, a structural engineer and a brick mason inspected the building.

"The engineer said at this time the only part of the building that is dangerous and should be avoided is the library," Beshears said.

The engineer recommended closing the library until repairs can be made.

A quick look at the rest of the building revealed that many other bricks are loose and could fall.

"The engineer did recommend a retaining fence so people can't get too close to the building," Beshears said.

The fence would be a precaution against someone being hit by falling brick. Beshears said a fence will be erected around the west and north sides of the building.

"He also said the building is in need of major renovations and repairs," Beshears said. "If we didn't want to do major repairs, he felt that the building probably shouldn't be utilized next year."

The brick mason said a temporary repair could be completed in a couple days, Beshears reported.

"He too felt that practically all around the building there are bricks that are loose.

"I asked (the brick mason) to bring the crew in Friday, weather permitting, to begin repair on that section," Beshears said. "We will be back in class Monday, unless something happens we can't predict. We will be using every area except the library until the repairs are complete."

About four dozen bricks fell to the ground Wednesday. More bricks fell overnight Thursday.

"Several others are leaning and ready to fall off," he said. "You can see light from inside the building in the library.

"This is just deterioration that happens over years," Beshears said. "The earthquake tremors didn't help."

This fall, lightening struck a large sycamore tree close to the damaged wall. That lightening strike shook the entire building and broke several windows.

But it was water damage that finally forced the bricks to begin falling.

"This last freezing rain was the thing," he said. "If we have more freezing and more rain, the situation will only get worse."

The oldest part of the brick structure was built in 1921; the newer section in 1928. It was last tuckpointed over 20 years ago.

"We knew there was a problem," Beshears said. He said an estimate to tuckpoint the building came in at $35,000.

Beshears explained that the district has been considering placing a bond issue for building repairs before voters in April.

"There was also some consideration for an addition to the high school," he said. "Now that is being given heavier consideration."

The Delta Board of Education plans to discuss the options at its January meeting.

Delta voters rejected a 61-cent tax increase in April that would have paid for building improvements.