12/06/2025
Hello Silver Falls Families,
We want to provide our community with a clear and transparent update on the situation at Robert Frost Elementary and the steps that have been taken since the initial discovery of the roof truss damage. Student and staff safety remains our highest priority, and every decision has been guided by an abundance of caution and consultation with safety and engineering experts. Below is a detailed timeline of the events, actions taken, and next steps as we continue to assess the building and complete necessary repairs.
● We immediately called PACE, a risk management and insurance pool for Oregon school districts, and our insurance providers. PACE requested that we evacuate the building. An evacuation was already in motion due to concern from the district office staff.
● We evacuated the building and shared everything that we knew about the issue to the RF community immediately. The evacuation was essential to maintain the safety of staff and students.
● We contacted the engineering firm ZCS and requested a structural engineer to evaluate the roof structure of the building.
● ZCS engineers arrived on 12/4 and began inspecting the building that houses the kitchen, gym, functional skills, and music classrooms. This is where the first broken trusses were found.
● ZCS finished inspecting the first building on 12/4 and noticed three additional roof trusses that were damaged. These damaged roof trusses are near the music room.
● The construction company Brockamp and Jaeger arrived on site on 12/4 and began making repairs and adding structural supports to the building. They are still on site making repairs as of the time of this message.
● ZCS engineering firm has completed a thorough second inspection of the office and classroom building. They are sending a certified report that the school is certified for occupancy.
We would like to share the following information regarding our plan moving forward:
● We are thrilled to share that school will resume on Monday, December 8th at Robert Frost.
● Repairs and additional support bracing were completed by Brockamp and Jaeger. These repairs are both in the attic space as well as in the kitchen, music room, and functional skills classrooms. This may briefly impact music instruction and cause relocation of one classroom.
● ZCS engineers have evaluated the entire roof truss structure and have said that the building is cleared for occupancy.
● School meals will be provided and prepped at the high school and delivered to RF. This was necessary due to extra bracing in the kitchen to support the roof trusses.
● There are no financial barriers to complete the repairs. The district has a $500,000 capital improvement fund reserved for building issues and repairs.
● We are requesting bids for new roofing and other ongoing maintenance needs at RF.
● Our employee who was injured during an inspection is doing well and we are hoping he has a speedy recovery. The PTC and school administration team will be in touch about meals and other support for the employee and his family.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support as we work through this situation. We remain committed to keeping our community informed and to ensuring the safety of our students and staff above all else. If you have immediate questions, please contact the district office.
Sincerely,
Kim Kellison
Superintendent
