Construction Ongoing After Crescent Public Schools Damaged By Earthquakes

Areas of Crescent Public Schools are in shambles after earthquakes in July shook some of the buildings so hard the walls are bowed. Construction has been going on for months, but they're making progress.

"We've had to seal the building off and evacuate,” said Crescent Public Schools Superintendent Mickey Hart.

The earthquake that caused the damage happened back in the summer, but for months repair work has been ongoing - the hammering and clamoring are another nail closer to fixing the $4,000 in damages.

"The deductible is per building, and this was the only building that had enough damage to go ahead and pursue that deductible,” said Hart.

It's a $50,000 deductible per building, and the gym is the only building with enough damage to submit a claim. The school district will absorb the couple of thousand dollars for the other buildings.

The Oklahoma Risk Management Trust deals with about 40 percent of the state's public schools that are insured. With recent budget cuts many just can't afford to add the extra optional cost right now, but for schools that do, there are exclusions and limitations.

“Anything other than natural earth movement then there may not be coverage even if they've purchased earthquake coverage on their policy,” said Kelly Mclemore of the Oklahoma Risk Management Trust.

Fortunately for Crescent schools, everything is covered. Earthquake insurance is voted on by school boards, but it's not mandatory.

"Do we need to examine whether or not earthquake damage should be required on public structures in schools and things in order to protect the community,” said Hugh O’Hara of Maguire O’Hara Construction, Inc.

Schools officials expect the repairs to be complete by the end of the school year.