(KAIR)--A sudden storm Monday afternoon has caused damage to the Effingham Elementary school, currently undergoing upgrades to it's heating and air conditioning system.

USD 377 Superintendent Steve Wiseman says the storm ripped coverings from the roof of the building where HVAC units were being replaced, causing damage to the inside of the building. “We had a lot of leaks and there wasn't any floor that wasn't effected or impacted by it. As far as damage goes, we have assessed it, we've got some carpet stains, we are going to have to replace carpet, obviously, we are not going to be able to get it done in time for school, we are going to have to make a plan to try and do that over a break or something, if it's not too awful, some are worse than others, then we will wait until next summer. There is a lot of ceiling tiles that are going to have to be pulled and replaced and many of them were brand new.”

Wiseman adds that students will be completely safe as officials clean up and repair the damage. He says “we have gone through and looked at it, and we have cordoned off some areas like we are not going to allow our students in the back playground. The contractors have portable units out there...storage facilities that they keep everything in, and while they may have it out during the day, if they are working on something, there is not going to be access for the students to get around to the back of the building...and there is going to be some work done on the roof over the next few days, but as far as the hallways, restrooms...they are all ready to go.”

Wiseman says construction crews are working through the day to ensure everything is ready to go for the start of the new school year Wednesday.