The Hillsboro R-3 School District is moving ahead with planned roof repairs at both the Junior High and Primary Schools, a project district leaders describe as part of their regular facilities maintenance cycle rather than a response to any major failure.
According to district officials, the work addresses roofing sections that have reached or exceeded their expected service life. At the Junior High, the roof was originally installed in the late 1990s and resurfaced in 2007 to extend its longevity. That extension carried the roof through 2012, and with the system now well beyond its intended lifespan, the district is replacing it with a new 25-year warranted roofing system.
At the Primary School, the sections selected for resurfacing were installed around 2006. Those materials are now nearing the end of their projected life and will be upgraded with a 20-year warranted system.
District Assistant Superintendent of Operations Clay LaRue said the work reflects routine care and long-term planning.
“Much like maintaining a home, taking care of school facilities works best when it’s done proactively,” LaRue said. “When roofs reach the end of their service life, we budget and replace them before small issues turn into major problems. It’s a fiscally responsible approach that protects not just the roofs themselves, but the learning environments and the entire buildings they safeguard.”
All identified roof sections were showing signs of age, including small leaks, worn membrane surfaces, and other deterioration typical of end-of-life roofing systems. Although none of the issues were considered severe, addressing them now prevents compounding costs. For example; roofing leaks can lead to mold, damaged ceiling tiles or decking, wet insulation, and flooring issues.The district allocates approximately $500,000 each year out of the capital budget for roof replacement and upkeep across its campuses. LaRue noted that budgeting for regular replacement is significantly more cost-effective than reacting to emergency failures, which can lead to additional costs and disruptions to school operations.
The project supports the district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP), specifically the goal of maintaining Safe & Supportive Learning Environments. Ensuring buildings remain protected from weather-related damage is a key component of that objective. Work is expected to begin at both schools in the summer of 2026.
Below are images of the work to be done on the roofs of the Hillsboro Junior High School and the Hillsboro Junior High School.
