Patrick Ford, News Editor

Okmulgee High School students will begin classes on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the C.A.A.T. (formerly Eastside Elementary) campus after structural issues at the historic OHS building prompted an urgent relocation plan. The move comes after engineering inspections identified significant deterioration in the high school’s structure, including loose masonry, cracked brick veneer, roof damage and failing support elements – some posing immediate safety concerns.

The engineering report, conducted by Connect Structural Engineering, Inc., concluded that the OHS building, constructed in phases between 1909 and 1919 with later renovations, has exceeded its design life span and will continue to deteriorate without substantial intervention. Observations included loose and falling brick on the west wing façade, visible deflection of windows, cracks in multiple areas, spalling concrete and exposed reinforcement under the auditorium stage. While not all issues posed immediate structural danger, the report stressed the importance of ongoing monitoring and repairs to ensure occupant safety.

—

A Swift Transition Plan

Superintendent LuVona Copeland told the school board that the district had acted quickly to secure classroom space for all high school courses at the C.A.A.T. building.

“We are able to get high school in the C.A.A.T. building, of course, except for band, which will remain in the band building, and Ag at the Ag campus,” Copeland explained. Green Country Technology Center, which occupies part of the facility, worked cooperatively to accommodate the relocation.

In speaking with the Times, Copeland added that the decision to relocate was done to ensure safety for all staff and students, even though parts of the building could have been used.

Moving crews, including volunteers and staff, began transporting equipment and materials this week. Teachers identified needed items, which were staged for easy loading.

Copeland reached out to John Neal at Neal’s Homestore, who offered assistance in getting the school moved. The district aims to have classrooms set up in time for a special high school open house on Monday, Aug. 18, the night before students arrive.