Coweta Public Schools Estimates EF-1 Tornado Caused $1 Million In Damage

News On 6 got exclusive surveillance video that shows the moment an EF-1 tornado hit Mission Intermediate Grade Center on October 10.

All 400 fourth, fifth and sixth graders there are in distance learning until at least Monday to give crews time to make repairs.

After hearing what News On 6 storm tracker Von Castor experienced that Sunday night on live TV, Coweta Public Schools Superintendent, Jeff Holmes, rushed to the school.

"There was damage everywhere,” explained Holmes. “We could hear the fire alarms going off, the burglar alarms going off. All the windows in this area were blown out."

Holmes told News On 6 the estimated amount of damage so far is $1 million, which is covered by insurance.

Holmes said restoration crews have been working on the water damage, while fire alarms, drywall and ceiling tiles have been replaced. There was also damage to trees and others outside.

"The baseball field fence was destroyed, which throws wood and metal all across this area,” said Holmes. “It would have been devastating if anyone would have been outside in it, so super thankful."

Holmes showed News On 6 how a few classrooms were damaged more than others. Some HVAC units were also torn off, so certain rooms are now using rented mobile air and power units.

Math teacher, Terry Huebert, said it is hard to see what happened.

"You know, it's like home away from home, and it was kind of disturbing to see how much was tore up," said Huebert.

Holmes said most textbooks stayed dry, and some computers and smart boards are being checked for damage.

"The whole community, people rally around each other and learn adversity,” said Holmes. “We're known for our hard work at Coweta, so our kids are going to be just fine.”

Holmes also said the district could add a few days to the end of the school year if needed to make up any missed time.