Storm Storm water causes South Bend Schools to close for a day water causes South Bend Schools to close for a day

Photo by Jon Tienhaara - Monday evening, January 6, Wyatt Kuiken, Shane Green, Doug Sands, Jordan Johnson, Bubba Madrid, Al Ashley, and the South Bend City Crew helped clean the drains and fought the water at the South Bend School CTE building.

Last week's storms caused a few issues throughout the Pacific Northwest, but one of the most unique problems was suffered by South Bend Schools.

Superintendent Jon Tienhaara ended up closing the schools on Tuesday, January 7 due to excessive storm water in the South Bend sewer systems.

"There was so much storm water in the city sewer system that we couldn't flush toilets," said Tienhaara. "It would be a little difficult having close to 700 people on campus and not being able to use all of our toilets. So it is the first time I've had to cancel school since the toilet couldn't flush. It is just one of those things. The perfect combination of storm water, rain and tides. It just didn't let it happen."

This was after Tienhaara along with Wyatt Kuiken, Shane Green, Doug Sands, Jordan Johnson, Buba Madrid, Al Ashley, and the South Bend City Crew spent Monday evening fighting invading storm water near the CTE building. They cleared drains, run pums, and set sand bags. A close eye was kept on the elementary building and the gym in case of flooding.

This time the flooding was not as bad a five years ago when the flood waters came into the buildings of the South Bend school. "Fortunately it didn't get anywhere close to what it was in 2015," said Tienhaara. "In 2015 we had water coming up through the floors and through the walls. There is nothing we can do to prevent that. But we can try to slow it down."

"There's not a whole heck of a lot you can do because some of which impacts the flooding is the way to deal with the water," continued Tienhaara. "And a lot of that depends on the city infrastructure. I know that the city has done a really good job trying to keep the lines free of debris and things like that and that really helped. So there is not much we can do as a school to prevent flooding. We've purchased a few things that might delay water getting into buildings. They are essentially different types of sandbagging we can use."

The Facility Director Wyatt Kuiken keeps watch during storms to make sure that the school buildings are safe. "He'll come in at all hours of the night checking on things," said Tienhaara. "It's really nice. Hopefully if it [flood water] does get close, he will be able to sound the alarm and we'll be able to start trying to prevent it [water in the buildings]."

"I continue to be impressed with the people, the city crew, our crew here at the district, Al Ashely and his crew," continued Tienhaara. "All of those guys came together and were there as long as they needed to be to help with the situation. It is just nice living in a community where people like that are willing to help. I very much appreciate their help and I just can't say enough about those guys."