Sparta Schools Close After Roof 'Structure Issue' Discovered

Sparta schools were released early Tuesday and will be closed on Wednesday after a roof "structure issue" was found at Helen Morgan School.

A Helen Morgan School employee saw ceiling tile falling in an annex classroom Tuesday morning, according to Superintendent Dennis Tobin. There were no students in that classroom, but everyone in the annex area was moved to the cafeteria, Tobin said.

A structure issue with one of the supporting roof trusses was discovered and all Sparta schools had an early dismissal, Tobin said.

"Until this roof issue is resolved at Helen Morgan and all five of our school building roofs have been inspected and approved for occupancy our school district will remain closed," Tobin said in a message Tuesday afternoon on the district's website. "The safety of our students and staff will continue to be our utmost priority."

All Sparta schools and offices will be closed and activities are canceled for Wednesday, Tobin said in a message posted Tuesday night.

"Our school engineer along with school personnel will continue to inspect and evaluate the roof structure at the Helen Morgan School along with the roofs at our four other school buildings throughout the day on Wednesday," Tobin said.

Snow and ice are also being removed from roof areas throughout the district and Tobin expects to reopen schools on Thursday.

"My office realizes the importance of getting our students back in the classroom and minimizing the disruptions of instruction and student learning," Tobin said. "However, with that being said, the safety of our students and staff must continue to be our No. 1 priority."