By Justin Sanchez

The News staff writer

PORT NECHES — Recent Southeast Texas thunderstorms have taken a toll on both Port Neches Middle School and Port Neches Elementary.

Port Neches-Groves ISD Board of trustees President Abby Deaton is seeking approval of a declaration of emergency, asking for a sum of $28,250, to repair the two schools.

The total cost of repairs exceeds the current bid policy of $25,000, but a meeting is being held Wednesday morning to consider the approval of the declaration despite the cost overages.

PN-G ISD Business Manager Cheryl Hernandez said getting the damaged equipment fixed as soon as possible is a necessity with school starting back up in August.

The damages were discovered on July 6, after a strong thunderstorm caused a power outage at the two schools.

Damages to the fire alarm systems and several electronic modules were most notable, Hernandez said.

Guardian Force, Fire and Security were called to inspect the fire alarm system, and determine costs for repairs. It was reported to the schools that their current fire alarm system is obsolete and unrepairable.

Port Neches Fire Marshal Shawn Gearinger said that without proper fire protection, the school must have a qualified and designated person, approved by the fire marshal, to be on fire watch.

“We have to get it repaired or we’re going to have to have a 24-hour fire watch,” Hernandez said.

Electrical supervisor Leonard LaPoint said it will take approximately two to three weeks after parts are ordered to receive the equipment they need. He said it will also take another three to four weeks to install the new equipment.

“With school starting on Aug. 27,” LaPoint said, “time is important.”

Guardian Force’s list of repairs include replacing the fire alarm control panel, 115 smoke detectors, eight heat detectors, 25 pull stations and all addressable modules in the both schools’ fire alarm system.