Fire Marshal Tells School What Must Be Fixed By Fall 2014

The fire marshal has made some adjustments to Neligh-Oakdale's correction plan in order for it to be acceptable, according to a press release from the school.

"They will be completed, according to recommended timelines, to ensure a safe learning environment for our students," the release stated.

The plan, as amended by the State Fire Marshal’s office, will include (for completion by September 2014):

• Removal of “kick-down” door stops
• Uninterrupted egress illumination in stairways
• Additional continuously illuminated exit signage
• Additional emergency lighting 
• Additional outlets in all areas with electrical power strips and extension cords
  
• Class A rating interior finish of stairways 

View the response here

Neligh-Oakdale Public Schools received this response to its June 9, 2014 Plan of Correction, which was issued as a result of a fire and life safety inspection on April 30, 2014, by Sean Lindgren, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal.  
 
The Building and Grounds Committee will be meeting with the State Fire Marshal, building architect and local electrician to further discuss appropriate solutions for addressing the orders.  A copy of the order, plan of correction and letters of response can be viewed on the school website www.nelighoakdaleschools.com or in the office of the Superintendent.  

"The classrooms in the basement of the facility at 600 J Street will not be utilized in the fall of 2014 out of concern for student safety," the press release stated. "Administrators are working to find a temporary location for those classrooms. The dates of completion for the other orders from the State Fire Marshal appear to be acceptable and will require additional funding that is not in the district’s budget at this time."

No formal action has been taken by the Board of Education on a bond, and what the bond will include has not been determined at this time. No recommendation has been given by the Building and Grounds Committee on bond details, nor has the Board of Education voted on a bond issue.  

"However, as was stated in the proposed plan of correction to the State Fire Marshal, Neligh-Oakdale Public Schools plans to propose to the voters of the district a bond issue in order to have enough funds to meet the orders by the State Fire Marshal’s office," it states. "Installing a fire sprinkler system, fire doors, a new HVAC system, by order of the State Fire Marshal’s office, exceed the funds the district currently has available."

"The Board of Education thanks the stakeholders for their involvement and for their valuable input as the district faces facility challenges." 

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Related Story:
Neligh-Oakdale School Board Responds To Fire Marshal