Helping Each Other During Flood Crisis
Valley Park School District thanks neighboring districts for assistance during recent flood
To help with the Valley Park School District’s evacuation efforts, during the recent flood threat, neighboring school districts including Francis Howell, Northwest R-1, Parkway and Rockwood, offered their personnel, trucks, tools, equipment and storage facilities.
The district’s technology department staff worked round-the-clock to move computer and phone equipment, as well as to organize the moving of the district’s data servers, Web site and Email system. Patrick Jones, director of technology said, “Even if the flood waters do not reach school buildings, the district must be prepared for loss of power and communications systems. Vital student data and personnel records must be protected from loss.”
David Knes, superintendent of the Valley Park School District is grateful for the support of community members, as well as district staff. Knes said, “We received dozens of calls from Valley Park residents, former employees, as well as superintendents from our neighboring school districts. We appreciate their support.” The City of Valley Park, in conjunction with the Corps of Engineers kept Knes informed on the condition of the levee, the river levels and evacuation procedures. “With continual updates from the city,” Knes continued, “Valley Park school officials remained proactive in putting the district’s safety and security measures into place.”
The enormous task of moving everything back into place was completed in record time. More than 145 employees from neighboring districts helped remove sandbags, move furniture and clean sand from entrances and hallways.
After an extended spring recess, students returned just two days later than scheduled.
