Greater Latrobe replaces water-damaged gym floor in time for volleyball Senior Night

Greater Latrobe School District has completed replacement of its water-damaged senior high school gym floor about a month earlier than expected.

The floor was damaged on a Sunday night in late June when water overflowed from the school’s nearby swimming pool, running under connecting doors and into the gym. Superintendent Mike Porembka attributed the incident to human error during pool maintenance.

A new maple hardwood floor was in place in time for the girls volleyball team to host Connellsville Area for a senior night match on Oct. 15. The Wildcats defeated the visiting Falcons, 3-0, in their last home match of the regular season.

While restoration of the main gym was underway, games were played in an auxiliary gym. Work included removal and reinstallation of bleachers in the main gym.

“When the emergency occurred, Absolute Restoration arrived within two hours to initiate mitigation efforts,” said Kurt Thomas, director of facilities, operations and planning for the district. The “quick response minimized the extent of the damage,” he said.

Water also ran down into the lower level of the high school’s physical education wing, causing damage in locker rooms and team rooms used for basketball and wrestling programs. Plaster repair was one of the final work items on that level, Thomas said.

A district insurance policy will cover the restoration costs, minus a $25,000 deductible, Porembka said.

According to Thomas, other projects recently completed at the senior high include replacement of the main gym’s lighting with LED fixtures to improve visibility and reduce energy consumption.

Also, an underused language lab was reconfigured to accommodate activities of the school’s new esports club team.