NEWPORT-Tuesday evening's torrential rains caused flooding problems at Northwest Elementary School.

According to Cocke County Schools Technology Coordinator Donnie Frazier, "There was such a high volume of rain that the drains couldn't handle it."

During a called meeting of the Cocke County Board of Education on Thursday evening, Frazier said as a result of the heavy downpour, water overflowed the sleeves on the roof and poured into the building by way of the air-conditioning units.

"We had water on a computer and projector, the carpet, and other places," said Frazier.

"We don't know yet if the carpet will have to be replaced."

On Wednesday, the Cocke County High School football team joined in the effort to move furniture, books, and equipment out of the affected area.

School board member Pat Proffitt commended the players. "They spent several hours moving books and furniture. They will be back to help put things back in place. Every coach was right there, too."

Frazier said that no damage amounts were available. "We ordered 34 cases of ceiling tiles," he said. "Approximately six classrooms were affected."

Frazier assured board members that the clean-up project will be finished in time for classes to begin next week.

"We will work Saturday to finish the repairs," he said.