So Opdahl revealed that the Band building that burned down was insured, albeit with a $100k deductible. That probably means that there’s an umbrella policy that covers all school properties, otherwise why such a high deductible. But I’ve seen Opdhal in action too many times to just take his word on this, Insurance companies are in the busy of making profits, not making sure that they pay out claims. So we’ll see what transpires.
From The Hour:
“We have a $100,000 deductible on the policy,” said Stuart Opdahl, chief operating officer for Norwalk Public Schools. “We’ve talked to adjusters and we talked to the insurance company out in California. Hopefully we’ll have someone here within the next few days to work on the adjustment.”
Opdahl said it will cost more than the deductible to restore the building itself. And on Thursday school officials estimated the value of the building’s contents at more than $500,000. Musical instruments, band uniforms and more than 100 trophies are thought to be lost in the blaze.
The city rushed to construct a fence around the remains of the building Friday afternoon after it was apparently looted Thursday night.
“Apparently … somebody went in and stirred through it,” Opdahl said. “I don’t think there’s much to loot, but there are brass and copper things they can take out and salvage for the metal value.”
The cause of the fire, which has been deemed suspicious, was still under investigation Friday. State and local fire officials have collected evidence and used dogs to search for accelerants that could have been used by an arsonist to help the fire spread.While investigators sifted through ashes, Norwalk came out in support of the award-winning marching band. Jerry Petrini, president of Marching Bears, Inc., said the response has been “incredible.”
Bank accounts have been opened for residents to make donations at Patriot National Bank and Norwalk Bank & Trust.
Westport Avenue eatery Deli Creations donated $1,000 and its owner challenged other businesses to do the same. House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero, R-142, whose son marches in Brien McMahon High School’s band, is working to secure a $10,000 grant from the state.
source: The Hour, Officials: Burned band building was insured by Patrick R. Linsey, August 18, 2007
