BOARD WANTS SCHULTZ BUILDING ASSESSED

The 82-year-old mortar holding bricks together at L.J. Schultz School crumbles like sand, prompting the Cape Girardeau Board of Education to seek advice from a structural engineer.

On Thursday, a 60-foot section of the brick parapet of the school at 101 S. Pacific collapsed onto the roof. No one was hurt. Principal John Eck blamed the collapse on the building's age.

On Tuesday, the process of removing bricks from the roof of the school began. School board members discussed the building at Tuesday night's board meeting.

"It's in bad shape," said board member Terry Taylor, who serves on the building and grounds committee. He climbed to the roof to survey the damage. "The original mortar is like sand," he said. "The whole north side -- you can take it in your hand and shake it."

School officials believe the building is safe for children, and classes are going ahead without disruption. But board members want a structural engineering firm to ensure the children are safe. "That is what's important," board member Harry Rediger said.

Steve DelVecchio, school district business manager, said not many structural engineers are interested in passing judgment on the integrity of a building more than 80 years old. But they are looking for such a firm.

Schultz was built in 1914, added to in 1919, and renovated in 1953. The building has had other structural problems. In 1987, the entire south wall separated from the building. The entire building was tuckpointed when that wall was rebuilt. In 1992, a large section of the cafeteria roof caved in.

In 1992, a structural engineer with R.W. MacDermott and Associates Consulting Engineers in Kirkwood looked at the building. He said an extensive structural survey was needed. The board didn't approve that expense, opting instead to pursue new construction.

A $25 million bond issue for new elementary and middle schools, air conditioning and another building extension was rejected twice by voters.

Rediger said, "This points out how perilous and tenuous our buildings really are."