News Summary
Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, is delaying its return to classes due to severe flood damage caused by a historic storm. The school, serving special needs students, faces over $1 million in repair costs. The lack of flood insurance has intensified financial challenges, prompting community fundraising efforts. Cleanup and recovery plans are underway, including volunteer days and fundraising events, while health concerns regarding asbestos further complicate restoration. The school aims to reopen at least two weeks later than planned, emphasizing the importance of community support.
Hales Corners, Wisconsin — Journeys Lutheran School Delays Opening Due to Severe Flood Damage
Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, has announced a delay in its planned return to classes after experiencing extensive flood damage caused by a historic storm. The school, which primarily serves 128 students with special needs, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, and learning disabilities, will now open at least two weeks later than initially scheduled.
Cause and Extent of Flood Damage
The flooding occurred after nearly 7 inches of rain fell during a severe storm, resulting in a significant influx of both rainwater and sewage into the school building. The flooding primarily impacted the basement and ground floor, with damage reported throughout the facility, including the library, classrooms, and gymnasium. As a result, the school’s infrastructure has sustained substantial damage that experts estimate will cost over $1 million to fully repair and restore.
Financial Challenges and Community Response
One of the primary challenges faced by the school is the absence of flood insurance coverage. The lack of insurance has intensified the financial burden, prompting a local fundraising effort within the community. Community member Kaitlyn Chapman initiated a lemonade stand to raise money for the school’s recovery. Additional fundraising initiatives include a special event at Culver’s, where ten percent of sales on a designated day will be donated to support the school’s rebuilding efforts.
Immediate Recovery and Cleanup Efforts
In the wake of the disaster, the school has scheduled a volunteer cleanup day on August 25, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., inviting community members to assist with cleaning, debris removal, painting, and flooring replacement. School staff and teachers, including long-time educator Mark Zimmerman, are actively involved in cleaning efforts instead of preparing for the upcoming school year.
Health and Safety Concerns
During the damage assessment, the school discovered the presence of asbestos within the building structure. This finding necessitates specialized mitigation procedures to safely deal with hazardous materials during the repair process, adding complexity and time to the rebuilding efforts.
Impact on Students and Families
School administrators, led by Principal Jenny Stollenwerk, have expressed concern for the well-being of students and families affected by the flood. The school is regarded as a vital safe space for students with special needs, making its temporary closure particularly impactful for the community.
Recovery Timeline and Future Plans
The school initially planned to resume classes on August 25 but has delayed the start by at least two weeks, with a tentative reopening set for September 8. The delay intends to address damages and complete necessary cleanup, repairs, and asbestos mitigation. The school is also working with professionals to ensure the building is safe and fully functional before reopening.
Additional Support Initiatives
To further aid with recovery expenses, the school has established an online fundraiser page to collect donations from the broader community. The collective effort aims to cover repair costs and restore the school to its full operational capacity, ensuring a safe environment for its students with special needs.
The damages from this storm highlight the importance of emergency preparedness and financial planning for community institutions. The ongoing recovery efforts reflect the resilience of the Hales Corners community as they work together to support Journeys Lutheran School during this challenging time.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WISN: Flood Damage Delays Start of School in Hales Corners
- Wikipedia: Hales Corners, Wisconsin
- Spectrum News: Journeys Lutheran School Flood Damage
- Google Search: Journeys Lutheran School flooding
- TMJ4: Special Needs School Faces $1 Million in Flood Damage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- JSONline: Riverside High School & Journeys Lutheran School Affected by Flooding
- Google News: Flood Damage Schools
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