Damaged Sparta High School Press Box to be Repaired

Nearly a month after Hurricane Sandy damaged the Sparta High School press box, the board of education is looking for ways to start repairs.

The Sparta Township Board of Education approved at Monday night's meeting to hire an engineer/architect to assess the damage the structure sustained from the storm. 

District Superintendent Dennis Tobin said the Cassels Field press box was the only structure in the district that had damage from the storm, after it was completely knocked over onto West Mountain Road.

The board agreed to hire Gianforcaro Engineers and Architects for $8,500 to look at the damage and come up with ways to rebuild the structure.

Tobin said the architect/engineer will give an estimate to the board for how much it will take to replace the design.

"It's part of the first process to look into replacing the press box," he said.

Board Secretary and Business Administrator Linda Alvarez said that the district will have to pay for the assessment, but will get a $2,000 deductible.

The total cost of rebuilding the press box will be covered by the school's insurance, she said.