What could have turned into an even longer headache for Wright City and for the R-II School District appears headed for a fix, thanks to a mutually agreed-upon solution between officials.
Recent rains have led to continuing stormwater drainage issues and subsequent flooding on Roelker Road at the site of the new high school.
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What could have turned into an even longer headache for Wright City and for the R-II School District appears headed for a fix, thanks to a mutually agreed-upon solution between officials.
Recent rains have led to continuing stormwater drainage issues and subsequent flooding on Roelker Road at the site of the new high school.
In a joint statement issued in late November, the city and the district have vowed to address the flooding issues.
Under the mutually agreed upon plan, the School District will ‘partner with the City by contributing financially toward the improvements, and the City will additionally contribute funds and take the lead in overseeing construction, repairs, and upgrades to the road and stormwater system.’
Wright City Mayor Michelle Heiliger said the engineering aspect of the project has already been completed, and there is no definite timeline because pending construction easements need to be addressed. According to financial details provided by the city, the entire project should cost $148,059.60.
“We hope to start this in the spring and it shouldn’t be a long construction phase,” Heiliger said. “We (the city and the district) have the same goal and are working in the same direction.”
This teamwork between the two bodies comes as a great delight to Ward 2 Alderman Ramiz Hakim.
“This is a mutual deal where both the city and the district have come to terms in understanding that the issue has to be (dealt with),” Hakim said. “It’s a partnership that’s best for the community and we’re pleased that we can work on this together to provide infrastructure for the students and the general population of Wright City.”
The statement added that the district and the city were ‘addressing stormwater challenges on Roelker Road, which were present even before the construction of the new high school,’ which opened its doors in January 2025.
Wright City School District Superintendent Dr. Amy Salvo echoed Heiliger and Hakim in seeking an amenable, speedy solution to a critical issue.
“Our focus is, and will continue to be, on what’s best for our students, staff, and families,” Salvo said. “Our community is strongest when our schools and city work together to support one another. Together we can have a strong, supportive community that serves all.”
