MOSES LAKE – The ongoing renovation of Groff Elementary School is making significant strides, as the Moses Lake School District takes measures to rectify construction deficiencies within the building, according to Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon.  

The district has been actively removing elements that pose safety concerns, including the complete removal of the gym floor.  

In an official statement released Oct. 31, the district confirmed that the previous gym floor was fully removed due to necessary mitigation efforts.  

“The original gym floor cannot be reused due to the extensive issues related to the gym structure and the flooring itself,” said Shannon. “Our team had to remove the entire floor to rectify these problems, but we were able to preserve the center ‘Gator’ logo panel from the former flooring.”  

This panel, a symbol of school pride, will be displayed on the wall of the new gym and serve as a connection to the school's history. Current Groff students will be invited to sign the panel as a commemorative gesture. 

The construction work at Groff Elementary is multifaceted, targeting various issues from roofing to drainage systems.  

On Oct. 24, crews shifted focus to the mitigation of improvements related to the metal roofing system.  

“This work is part of our continued effort to resolve identified construction issues and ensure the long-term safety, durability and performance of the building,” said Shannon. 

Crews began the month with the removal of the gym flooring and other structural elements necessary for addressing foundation deficiencies. On Oct. 10, the district reported that selective demolition was progressing inside the gym, allowing workers to explore underlying issues more effectively.  

“The removal of the gym floor has allowed us to get in and start to address issues within the foundation system that supports what is known as the concrete masonry unit,” Shannon said. “This is a critical step in strengthening the foundation and preventing future concerns about the facility." 

Exterior work has also been a priority. In updates issued during the month, drainage improvements and excavation were highlighted as essential tasks to meet Washington Energy Code standards and correct insulation concerns.  

“Each milestone moves us closer to restoring Groff Elementary safely and efficiently,” said Shannon. “We appreciate the continued patience and support of our community as this important work continues.” 

Following the removal of the gym flooring, the construction team is addressing concerns related not only to the floors but also to the HVAC and electrical systems. To facilitate the work, the building is currently running on temporary power. An auxiliary HVAC system has been set up to ensure optimal conditions for ongoing construction activities. 

Moreover, Shannon confirmed that there remains an extensive list of issues to address, all critical to the overall safety of Groff Elementary.  

“We're just continuing to go through the long list of items that need to be mitigated, and it’s going well — progress is as expected,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure that Groff Elementary is safe, strong, and ready to serve students for years to come.” 

Shannon also highlighted the importance of clear communication with the community amid circulating rumors about the gym floor.  

“There were some inaccurate reports suggesting that we would be able to reuse the gym floor,” he said. “This is not the case. It is important for us to clarify that the flooring system needed to be replaced entirely for safety reasons." 

As the project moves forward, updates will continue to be shared through weekly blog posts and social media.  

“This is an essential way for us to keep community members informed about what’s been happening,” said Shannon. “The renovations at Groff Elementary are a vital investment in the future of our students and ensure that their learning environment is safe and conducive to academic success.” 

    The Groff Elementary Floor after the full floor was removed. There were issues with the concrete masonry unit, the foundation of the floor, which resulted in the district removing the entire floor with plans to replace it before reopening.
  

    A look underneath the Groff Elementary gym floor. There was moisture found under the floor, according to Director of Public Relations Ryan Shannon.