Schools recovery cost estimate decreased

Jan. 23--The latest cost estimate for hurricane recovery for Onslow County Schools is down considerably from the original estimate of $125 million in the first days after the storm.

An estimate of between $40 million and $50 million was provided during an update on hurricane recovery during Wednesday's workshop held by the Onslow County Board of Education.

OCS Chief Operations Officer Steve Myers said the latest update comes after assessments of damage of all the facilities following the initial remediation work to dry out and clean the schools.

The cost for remediation came in at $18.5 million, less than the $30 million projected in October as work was still ongoing.

Repairs to roof damage at many of the schools are estimated at $11.7 million to $16 million and repairs to school buildings at $7.9 million to $14 million.

Other estimates include: $400,000 for contents such as furniture and supplies; $715,000 for technology; $260,000 for food for cafeterias; $500,000 for professional services; and $80,000 for various business losses while schools were closed.

Myers said the estimates are based on insurance adjuster assessments as well as architect assessments of the schools with major damage.

The scope and estimates may still change as recovery work progresses but Myers said they hope to stay within the current estimate range.

"We don't think it will go beyond that," Myers said.

Myers said there can be changes.

The original estimate for White Oak High School campus from the Department of Public Instruction insurance was $188,446 and the updated estimate came in at $1.5 million.

Myers said the priority has been getting roofs repaired as well as classroom and instructional areas that still could not be used when school reopened.

White Oak High School's cafeteria reopened in January but it had 10 classrooms closed.

Northwoods Park Middle opened without use of its gym and six classrooms. Three classrooms and the gym were closed at Swansboro High School.

Dixon Elementary opened without use of its cafeteria and two classrooms and Swansboro Middle without the gym and auditorium.

A number of schools also have mobile classrooms that were damaged.

As work continues on repairs across the district, there are also projects that have been deferred to summer, including removal of asbestos under the flooring at the White Oak High cafeteria, resurfacing of floors of gyms already in use, Swansboro High construction bays, and floor stripping and painting of classrooms that are being used.

Myers said work is also ongoing on the funding side.

DPI insurance is the primary funding source for recovery efforts and continues to assess the scope of damage.

Myers said FEMA may cover damage not covered by insurance and can provide funds for mitigation to help prevent damage in future storms.

For instance, he said, while insurance may cover roof repairs using shingles, FEMA mitigation funds could pay the extra cost of a more durable roof structure.

Reporter Jannette Pippin can be reached at 910-382-2557 or [email protected].

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