If the Green River floods, only about eight Renton School District households would be affected, said spokesperson Randy Matheson.

The interruption of food services and potential back flow of sewer lines are the district’s two major concerns.

“It doesn’t sound like the actual estimates for flooding are going to do damage to the schools,” Matheson said.

In the event of major flooding, the county’s sewage-treatment plant in southwest Renton would become an island, potentially sending back flow throughout the system.

However, only three district buildings, Renton High and Sartori schools and the Kohlwes Education Center, are on the affected sewer lines.

The district is waiting for approval from the City of Renton to install valves on the buildings’ sewer lines. If flooding occurs, the valves could be closed, preventing waste water from flooding the building.

Though the valves will prevent back flow, it also means the school’s sewage lines will be deactivated.

Without running water or restrooms, the three buildings would be closed, even if flood waters don’t make it to downtown Renton.

Sartori, an alternative school, is flexible and small enough that students could study for a short time from home.

However, this isn’t the case for Renton High.

“Renton High is a much higher concern because we have more than a thousand kids and staff who need to be housed elsewhere,” Matheson said.

Interruption to food services could affect schools throughout the district.

Much of the food is warehoused in Kent, which will receive the brunt of any flooding.

The district meals are based heavily on fresh produce, making it difficult to stockpile, Matheson said. “If they’re flooded in Kent, we’re not going to get access to fresh produce.”

The school district is slowly stock piling canned foods and other non-perishables, in case of an emergency.

Transportation is planning alternative routes, in case of road closures.

The district is planning, but not with the expectation of water coming to their doorsteps.

“We’re paying attention to it, but we’re following the lead of professionals who do this kind of work,” Matheson said.