ROYAL CITY — Three years ago on Friday, students returned to Red Rock Elementary School after massive flooding had damaged their school. Three years later, last Friday, students, parents, staff and community members celebrated a complete remodel of the school.

On the evening of Jan. 7, 2017, pipes in the ceiling of Red Rock Elementary School burst, creating a pressure that blew out a couple of windows and walls. The water poured from the ceiling all throughout the night.

Royal School District officials received word that water was coming out of the school and running down the street on Sunday morning. By that time, the entire school was buried in a couple feet of water. School was closed until Jan. 24, 2017, so the building could be properly dried and cleaned for the safety of students and staff.

Instead of repairing the damage, the Royal School Board decided to completely remodel and modernize the inside of the school. Through insurance funds, school modernization funds from the state and money set aside in the capital projects fund, they were able to complete the remodeling without asking the community for additional money.

Red Rock had not been remodeled for 25 years. During the remodeling process, walls were moved, staircases were relocated, new technology was added and safety and security features were installed.

On Friday, Jan. 24, on the three-year anniversary of students returning to school, a ribbon-cutting for the newly remodeled school took place. Royal School District Superintendent Roger Trail, Red Rock Elementary School Principal David Andra and Board President Craig Janett spoke.

“This is a proud day for me,” Trail said. “Today on this date, staff and students returned with apprehension.”

Trail expressed his gratitude to all the people, including staff, district personnel and community members, who helped with the initial cleanup and with the multiple moves that staff and students had to make throughout the construction process.

“It has been a moving experience, literally,” Trail said. “I hope you will agree it was worth the wait.”

Andra said that during construction, some teachers had to move three to four times. He said that with all of the help during the moving process, classrooms were moved in 20 minutes.

He also highlighted the new safety and security features installed in the school. A new single point of entry has been made at the main building entrance. Multiple sets of double doors have been added at the entry points of various wings, giving staff the ability to secure the building with the push of a button.

“I hope we never have to use those,” Andra said.

The gym has been made into a space that the community can use. A large set of bleachers has been installed. The cafeteria attaches to the gym in such a way that it doubles as a stage for plays and recitals. The two upstairs sections were also connected with a walkway.

Janett commented that having children using the building for learning while construction was going on was not easy. Andra related the experience to a home renovation where a family with 700 little ones was living.

The highlight of the evening was the ribbon-cutting performed by third-grade advisory students. Hector Soriano, Elizabeth Jenks, Natalia Abundiz, Hunter Butler, Eviana Allen, Lauren Wardenaar and Bella Ramirez were kindergartners at the time the flood occurred. They have also experienced all of the phases of construction.

After the main event was over, attendees were allowed to explore the newly-renovated building.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at [email protected].