School Roof Collapses

On Sunday, March 22, 1999 part of Girdwood School's roof collapsed. The twelve-foot-long overhang covering the entrance to the school collapsed under the heavy snow load. Fortunately no one was in the school at the time and no one was hurt. The collapse of the porch roof blocked the entrance to the school and caused damage to the school offices. The principal, secretary, nurse, community schools offices as well as the Art and Gifted Classroom are no longer usable. Students now must enter the building from the middle and end school doors.

School reopened Wednesday, March 24, after a two day closure to make sure the rest of the building was safe. Snow has now been removed from the roof and around the building. The damaged structure will remain blocked off until the end of the school year when repairs and reconstruction can begin. The first public meeting about this incident was held Tuesday, April 6, 1999. Structural engineers are doing a complete assessment of the building and will be making recommendations soon.

Reference: Anchorage Daily News article 3/23/99 B-1