A cafeteria drainage issue that leaves black sludge on the floor backing up at even the slightest rain is finally being addressed.

Students will notice a temporary plywood wall that sections off the southeast corner of the cafeteria today at lunch. If everything goes as planned, construction is expected to take two to three weeks.

Though there is no exact science to the size of the wall, Principal Willie Foster said that one of the main drains runs through a support column and they looked at cracks on the floor and where the normal backup problem occurs before construction.

An obvious impact is that the configuration of seating will be different. “We didn’t have to take any tables out, so everything that was in there is still in there,” said Foster.

The new configuration has booths that border the wall near the front desk and long rows of tables that run east to west rather than north to south.

Some freshmen were not happy that their usual seats in the middle of the cafeteria had been moved. “They moved our table so we had to find a new one,” said freshman Katie Armour.

Her friends Carlie Wilhjelm and Megan Culver agreed. “Austin (Beckett) and Alissa (Scott) aren’t with us today. They moved,” said Wilhjelm.

Armour did say that if they end up liking the new arrangement they hope it stays.

Other than the new configuration, it will not impact lunches or fire laws because none of the main exits were altered according to Foster.

The contractors will work during second shift, so disruption to the school day will not be an issue. Some after school activities could be forced to change venues.

Cafeteria manager Sheila Newton is happy that the problem is being addressed, but is surprised at the timing. “I’ve been here 15 years and it’s always been a problem. It’s so bad that our pipes back up in the cafeteria. I’ve seen black sludge rolling through the pipes,” said Newton.

Newton said that they brought in a crew last year to blast out the sludge and they altered one of the drain pipes, but the problem still occurs.

Foster also said that when it gets bad, it can back up all the way to to Mrs. Darnell’s room in 107 which is half way down first hall.

It’s clearly been a pressing issue that has been avoided for some time. “I pushed some buttons that have never been pushed. We have the support of Assistant Superintendent Becky Sexton, Mr. Davis, Mr. Brock, and Mr. Mitchell,” said Foster.

The Board of Education is covering the cost of construction, but Foster said there is no way to predict how much it will be.

Assistant Principal Erik Huber is skeptical that the project will go smoothly. “If it’s been a problem for that long, they may get in there and find some surprises. Running water is a big deal,” Huber said.