Thank you, Mr. Heerdt

In the late hours of Wednesday, January 22, a pipe ruptured in the rear of Briar Middle School. Some 80,000 gallons of water gushed from the pipe. It would have been much worse if a neighbor along Matthes Avenue had not noticed the water pooling outside the building and called Perkins Police to report something did not seem right.

At the Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, February 12, the members acknowledged that neighbor – Ron Heerdt.

“It could have been much, much worse,” said Board President Jason Dulaney. “Your prompt action saved the district a lot of headaches, and the taxpayers a lot of money. And, you saved opportunities for our children.”

Flooding at Briar was contained to the band and choir rooms, gymnasium, and hallways. A massive clean-up effort has taken place at Briar – some cabinetry and the floor in the band and choir rooms, as well as the gym had to be replaced. 

Classes at Briar were canceled the day after the flood, but students were back two days later. Physical education and music classes have been shifted to Perkins High School while the rehabilitation work takes place.

“I’m glad I could make a difference,” Mr. Heerdt told the Board. 

And, indeed, he did.

“Thank you very much for being so thoughtful,” Mr. Dulaney added.