Journeys Lutheran School Delays Opening Due to Flood Damage

News Summary

Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, faces a delayed opening due to extensive flood damage caused by a recent storm. Originally scheduled for August 25, the school will now open no earlier than September 8. The flooding caused significant issues in the basement and ground floor, affecting vital areas such as classrooms and the library. The estimated damage exceeds $1 million, and the school is rallying community support to aid in its recovery efforts, including fundraising campaigns and volunteer cleanup days.

Hales Corners, Wisconsin – Journeys Lutheran School has announced a significant delay in its opening due to extensive flood damage sustained during a recent storm. Originally scheduled to welcome students back on August 25, the school will now postpone its start date to at least September 8, significantly impacting the community it serves.

The flooding that caused this disruption resulted from nearly 7 inches of rain during a historic storm, which overwhelmed local infrastructure. This extreme weather event led to an influx of both sewage and rainwater, infiltrating the school premises. The damage has primarily affected the basement and ground floor of the building, with reports indicating substantial water damage throughout, including in the library, classrooms, and gym.

Journeys Lutheran School caters to 128 students with special needs, including those with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and various learning disabilities. The institution is considered a vital safe haven for these students and their families, making the disruption particularly concerning.

Initial estimates regarding the financial impact of the flooding indicate total damages could exceed $1 million, with around $100,000 earmarked specifically for cleanup efforts. In a challenging twist, the school does not have insurance coverage for flood damage, prompting the local community to rally for support through fundraising efforts.

Community member Kaitlyn Chapman has initiated a grassroots funding campaign by organizing a lemonade stand, with proceeds intended for the school’s recovery. Meanwhile, the school has also set up an online fundraiser, allowing broader participation in alleviating the financial burden caused by the flood.

In response to the daunting task of recovery, a volunteer cleanup day has been scheduled at the school on August 25, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.. The school is actively seeking local volunteers and professionals to assist with various recovery tasks such as cleaning, painting, and replacing flooring. Teachers, including Mark Zimmerman, have shifted their focus from preparing for classes to engaging in immediate cleanup efforts.

Additionally, the school has encountered complications with asbestos discovered within the premises, necessitating specialized mitigation measures as part of the overall recovery process. This situation complicates the school’s ability to reopen, as ensuring safety for staff and students is a top priority.

To further support the recovery, a local fundraiser at Culver’s restaurant has been planned, wherein 10% of sales on a specified date will be donated to aid in restoring the school.

The leadership at Journeys Lutheran School is deeply concerned about the impact this delay will have on both students and their families. The school plays a crucial role in the community, emphasizing the need for a swift and effective response to restore the facilities so that students can have a safe environment conducive to their learning.

As the situation unfolds, the commitment of the community members and the school staff remains strong. With rebuilding efforts underway, there is hope that Journeys Lutheran School will reopen with improved facilities, fostering a nurturing space for its students once again.

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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