District gives update on collapse of the Hononegah dome

ROCKTON – Earlier this week, the Hononegah District’s insurance adjuster began the process of assessing the damage to the high school domed athletic facility that collapsed on Tuesday, Dec. 29.

There is no confirmation as to when this process will be completed, but it will likely take some time. Forensic engineers and architects will be at the Dome site to assess the damage and determine the cause of the collapse. Once the insurance report is completed, Hononegah will begin the process of considering future options.

Administration has reviewed footage of the dome collapse, and based on timestamps in the video, we know that it took approximately four hours to deflate.

It is important to know that the Dome has always been a safe place for our students to spend time, and staff and students would have had ample time to evacuate.

On Jan. 4, 2016, students returned to school after the winter break and classes resumed as usual. District administration are working with various community organizations who utilized the Dome to locate alternative spaces for their scheduled events.

Local school districts and municipalities have graciously volunteered their facilities for our use. Changes to the events will be communicated as the modifications are scheduled.

Hononegah will continue to reach out to families and the community with updates on the Dome. The outpouring of concern and care from our community and neighboring districts has been greatly appreciated.

Questions can be directed to Lynn Gibson, Superintendent, at (815) 624-5062 or e-mail at

[email protected].