(Atlantic, Iowa) – A Corporate Loss Specialist for EMC Insurance, Tuesday morning, released information to the Atlantic School Board, with regard to the cost estimate to renovate the Atlantic Middle School. The building sustained roof and extensive interior damage during a fire that began on the roof on July 27th. The incident forced the District to close the building for the entire school year and relocated staff, students and the District Office to other sites in Atlantic.

(File photo) AMS damage during July 2021 fire

Scott Signor said during the meeting that cleaning and reconstruction costs will amount to between $5.5 and 6 million dollars. Atlantic Middle School Principal Josh Rasmussen surveyed the teaching staff, and 76-percent would like carpet replaced in the damaged classrooms, and 23.2 percent would like hardwood flooring. Repair of the roof will begin this week.
On the plus side of the disaster, officials with the Middle School Gymnasium will be available for basketball practices this winter.

Here’s a summary of current information with regard to the Middle School:

Flooring that needs to be replaced….
● Rooms 314, 315, and 316 were carpeted with a plywood base.
● Room 301 (small area of hardwood flooring), 101, and 110 are concrete floors with
carpet.
● Room 103 (band room) and connecting office were carpeted with hardwood under the
carpet. Also, terzo was covered with carpet.
● The Media center, Central office, and Middle School office all have hardwood floors with
carpet covering.
● All other destroyed floors were hardwood.
● Four classrooms, one gym, and two office floors were not damaged.
Wood flooring
● If decided fast would be available.
● Wood of the width in our building is unavailable – placement wood would be a little wider.
Carpet
● Would replace it with carpet squares.
● Interior Touch indicated a turnaround time of three and six weeks.
Other items to consider.
● Add drop down ceilings to all classrooms.
● Change the Central office to a classroom. Central office staff would remain at their
current location.
● Possible LED …To be determined (TBD)
● Possible Security entrance (TBD)