News Summary
Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners has postponed its academic year start due to severe flood damage, with recovery costs exceeding $1 million. Flooding from a historic storm caused extensive damage to classrooms and facilities, resulting in a two-week delay. The school is rallying community support for cleanup efforts and rebuilding, as it lacks flood insurance. Fundraising initiatives are underway to assist in recovery and ensure the school can reopen safely for its special needs students.
Hales Corners, Wisconsin — Severe Flood Damage Causes School Opening Delay
Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners has announced a postponement of its start date for the upcoming academic year due to extensive flood-related damage. The school, which primarily serves 128 students with special needs, plans to delay its opening by at least two weeks, aiming to reopen by September 8.
Flood Incident and Extent of Damage
The flooding occurred after a historic storm struck the area, raining nearly 7 inches within a short period. This intense rainfall overwhelmed local drainage systems, leading to a significant influx of sewage and rainwater into the school’s building. The damage was particularly severe in the basement and ground floor areas, affecting multiple parts of the facility including classrooms, the library, and the gymnasium. The total estimated damages exceed $1 million, with approximately $100,000 allocated solely for cleanup efforts.
Financial Challenges and Community Response
Compounding the situation, the school does not have flood insurance coverage, creating a substantial financial burden on the institution. In response, members of the community have launched fundraising efforts to support the school’s recovery. One notable initiative includes a lemonade stand organized by community member Kaitlyn Chapman, aimed at raising funds for cleanup and repairs. Additionally, the school has established an online fundraiser to gather contributions for rebuilding efforts.
Efforts for Cleanup and Recovery
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 removing debris, cleaning affected areas, and preparing the building for its eventual reopening. Recognizing the complexity of the damage, the school has identified the presence of asbestos in the building, requiring specialized mitigation services as part of its recovery efforts.
Operational Challenges and School Community Involvement
In the wake of the flooding, teachers and staff members have shifted their focus from preparing for the new school year to actively participating in cleanup activities. School leadership, including Director Jenny Stollenwerk, has expressed concern for affected families and students. She emphasized the importance of the school as a safe and nurturing environment for children with special needs and highlighted the community’s collective resilience during this crisis.
Additional Support and Fundraising Initiatives
To further support the rebuilding process, the school has partnered with local businesses. A fundraiser event at Culver’s restaurant will donate 10% of sales on a specific date to aid in restoration costs. The school also calls for volunteers and professionals capable of assisting with various tasks, such as painting, flooring replacement, and other repairs needed to restore the building to a safe condition.
Background and Context
This flooding incident underscores the increasing frequency of severe weather events impacting local infrastructure. The lack of flood insurance coverage for the school has highlighted the vulnerability of community institutions in disaster scenarios, prompting greater community engagement and support efforts. The school’s recovery process illustrates both the immediate response to natural disasters and the ongoing challenges in restoring educational facilities that cater to vulnerable populations.
As the community works together to address the damages, the focus remains on ensuring that the school can reopen safely and continue providing essential services to students with special needs, maintaining its role as a vital resource for local families.
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
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
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