ST. PAUL - It's going to cost about $45,000 to $55,000 to repair a room at Racette Jr. High School where a vehicle crashed into the building during a police pursuit in St. Paul, earlier this month.
"The initial estimate to have the room repaired and ready for use looks to be in the $45,000 to $55,000 range. This is a very preliminary estimate based on pricing received back on a few key items," said Doug Fedoruk, Director of Transportation and Facilities with St. Paul Education.
"We did retain a structural engineer to review and . . . the engineer confirmed that there was no structural damage," explained Fedoruk. "This is good news, and as such, we are in the process of arranging for rebuild of the wall and any repair (or) replacement of items damaged within the classroom."
Work at the school will include some millwork, ceiling tiles and new flooring, as well as ensuring electrical and mechanical components are functioning properly, said Fedouk. The majority of the clean up is already done and the division is working on some "selective demolition" to get the space ready for the re-build.
The room on the west side of the school sustained significant damage just before midnight on July 7 when a stolen vehicle crashed through a window at Racette School while being pursued by St. Paul RCMP following a report of a car jacking.
When asked if the school division would be required to foot the bill for the damages, Fedoruk noted that the divison's insurance deductible is $50,000, "So if (we) remain within that range, we would not be going through our insurance."
The school was empty at the time and no one, including the driver of the vehicle, was injured. Jordana Crane, 24, was later charged with robbery, assault, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, flight from a peace officer, fail to comply and uttering threats.
Crane is expected to appear in St. Paul Provincial Court on July 23.
