Dear Arrowwood Elementary Families and STCS Community,
We want to provide an update on our ongoing efforts to resolve the water and drainage issues at Arrowwood Elementary School. Following a thorough review of the drainage system and recent work at Arrowwood, we want to share what we have learned, what has been completed, and the steps we are taking to address the issue for the long term.
What We Discovered & What Has Been Fixed
Our maintenance teams and contractors recently conducted a detailed investigation of the drainage system, focusing on the courtyard area and other problem areas within the building. During this work, contractors identified significant tree-root intrusion within the drainage pipes. The roots were restricting the flow of water through the system.
Contractors have now completely cleared the drainage lines from the courtyard out to the road and into the Saginaw County drainage system, and new pipes have been installed. In addition, some tree removal has taken place. The drainage lines are now clear and flowing as intended. This work addresses the blockage that was restricting the system, but it does not, by itself, eliminate the potential for water accumulation during exceptionally heavy rainfall.
Current Status & Immediate Improvements
While the blockage is cleared, water capacity remains a challenge. In conversations with the Saginaw County Road Commission, we learned that the existing drainage infrastructure is designed to accommodate approximately 3-4 inches of rainfall over a 24-hour period. When rainfall exceeds that capacity, particularly during periods of intense or repeated storms, water can accumulate in the courtyard and other areas around the building.
Long-Term Solutions & Next Steps
The drainage work completed to date addresses the immediate obstruction we identified. Our next step is to address the larger capacity and site-drainage issues so that Arrowwood is better equipped to manage significant rainfall events. Our team is now developing a long-term site drainage plan, similar in approach to the improvements completed at White Pine Middle School. Options under consideration include re-engineering portions of the Arrowwood parking lot and adding a retention area to temporarily hold excess stormwater during significant rain events.
Impact on Other Planned Projects
To prioritize this urgent infrastructure work, we need to adjust our project timeline. We had originally scheduled several bathroom renovations for the near future. The bathroom renovations remain part of our facilities plans and will be completed when the necessary resources are available. In the immediate term, however, we believe addressing Arrowwood's drainage and flooding concerns must take priority.
Addressing the root cause of these water management concerns, rather than reacting to flooding, is our top priority. In the meantime, we will continue monitoring the drainage system, evaluating site conditions, and working with our contractors and the Saginaw County Road Commission on the long-term solution.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support of Saginaw Township Community Schools.
Sincerely,
Jamie Kraatz
Superintendent