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DNR: Some crumbling Washington schools at risk for earthquake damage

TOLDEO, Wash. — Students in Washington schools know to stop, drop and cover if an earthquake hits, and they practiced during the great shakeout Thursday.

But the danger to students could be the building they're in.

The Department of Natural Resources says Washington schools are at risk for earthquake damage.

It’s asking the legislature for about $500,000 a year to study and fix the problems.

One at-risk school is Toledo High in Lewis County.  The 42-year-old building looks like a solid red brick building, but it’s actually just a thin veneer over unreinforced cinder block.

Inside, many classrooms have leaking ceilings. The gym walls are cracking and classroom walls are thin portables.

"I think the danger is real. I think we really need to take care of that for the safety of our kids,” said Toledo High School teacher Jim Echtle.

"The engineers we worked with said that we were at risk in a serious event,” said Toledo School District superintendent Chris Rust.

The district has a levy on the November 7 ballot to renovate the high school and fix problems in other schools.

A February levy failed by a thin margin.