Storm Causes Major Damage to Library at Elementary Scheduled to be Replaced with Failed Bond Funds

SAN ANGELO, TX -- The McGill Elementary School Library suffered major water damage in Monday night’s storm the same night school board trustees officially accepted results that the $149 million bond failed by two votes.

School officials arrived Tuesday morning at 201 Millspaugh to find the library ceiling tiles soaked with storm water and falling on books and shelving.  The carpet was soaked and some light fixtures were damaged.

Maintenance crews immediately began moving books and shelving and drying out the carpet.  Principal Dr. John Rueter says they also removed water from the roof and are securing the building in preparation for additional storms forecast for tonight.  

According to the SAISD bond website, McGill Elementary was going to be rebuilt as part of the bond package.  The bond proposal included $22.2 million for construction of a new campus next to the existing gymnasium. All older buildings will be removed except for the 1997 classroom building which will be repurposed to serve pre-kindergarten.  New construction will include a controlled entry vestibule. Renovations throughout the 1997 classroom building and gymnasium include interior finishes and ADA compliance in restrooms, hallways, drinking fountains, doorways, parking lots and other public-use areas.

According to the McGill website, the school was originally in a district by itself. “On January 1, 1940, the completed McGill structure was ready. There were six classrooms, two of which might be converted into an auditorium, an office for the principal, a kitchen, sanitary facilities, and a basement room in which the heating plant was located. The building had all modern features: electric lights, central heating, washrooms and indoor drinking fountains, weather-stripped windows, and wall outlets for radio-phonographs.”

“The McGill School District was annexed to the San Angelo Independent School District in April, 1950, by petition of the qualified voters.  In March, 1953, the block of land in front of McGill was purchased for a playground. In the spring of 1955, work began on a new wing of seven classrooms and a cafeteria.  These two structures were ready for use when school opened in September of 1955.”

“Over the years, McGill has grown with the city of San Angelo and additional classroom space and innovative programs have been added to better prepare its students for the demands of a modern world.  The campus now has 27 classrooms, computer lab, and extensive library, administrative offices, and serves over 300 students.”

No one was in the building during last night’s severe weather and classes weren’t disrupted Tuesday because of the damage.