Kobler School hardest hit on Saipan

Among the public schools on Saipan, Koblerville Elementary School sustained the hardest blow from Supertyphoon Chaba, leaving most of its classrooms flooded and roofs and ceiling damaged.

KES principal Eric DLG. Evangelista said yesterday that of 25 classrooms, 21 sustained minor damage, and two are heavily damaged.

“Most of the classrooms were affected but are workable. However, two sustained major damage. The first one had its roof and ceiling blown away due to strong winds. The other one has major electrical problems,” said Evangelista.

He said that based on initial assessment, KES is believed to have suffered the most from the typhoon. He said computers, classroom chairs, and tables got wet. Other damage in the school compound included uprooted trees. A portion of the school fence also fell.

“The school was a disaster but thanks to the community, we’ve seen an amazing gesture of unity and cooperation from everybody—parents, teachers, government leaders, students,” said Evangelista.

He said a number of groups and individuals came in to donate drinks and food. These are Triple J Motors, Lucky Star Restaurant, and Natibo. Lucky Star sponsored the lunch for yesterday’s school cleanup team.

Rep. David Apatang has pledged to treat the school volunteers today to lunch.

Evangelista said House Vice Speaker Tim Villagomez, Rep. Benjamin Seman, and senators Thomas Villagomez, Luis Crisostimo, and Pete Reyes sent staff to help in the rehabilitation work.

The principal said the school welcomes any form of assistance from the community at this time.

“Our classrooms are not fixed. I just submitted my assessment report to the commissioner today [Thursday]. And we need to open the school for classes by Monday,” he said.

As of yesterday, the school registered 56 evacuees. Most of them are leaving today. Those whose houses had been damaged by the typhoon would be transferred to the Ada Gym.

Teachers said that school evacuees, together with KES teachers, parents, and JROTC members, helped in the school cleanup.

“It’s really a tremendous outpouring of help from everyone. It’s 100 percent cooperation,” said KES teacher Alice Taman.

Evangelista said the typhoon was “a blessing in disguise” in that it resulted in a “a strong team” of teachers, parents, and the community. (Liberty Dones)