The timeline for students to return to storm-damaged Lincoln Elementary is mid-to-late October, School City of East Chicago officials said this week.
Superintendent Stephen Bournes spoke to a group of parents Wednesday night at a town hall meeting called to address their concerns about the future of the school at 3551 Block Ave.
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As the meeting ended, audience members entered into pointed arguments with each other.
Bournes said the Aug. 11 derecho left Lincoln, home to 285 students, with a flooded basement, a failed HVAC system and a broken pump. The school was built in 1971.
School had just begun Aug. 10, the day before the storm that knocked power out and prevented it from reopening until Aug. 21.
Bournes said the storm damage, estimated at $500,000, made it unsafe for students to return. When school reopened Aug. 26, students in grades 1-3 were relocated to Washington Elementary and students in grades 4-6 went to Block Middle School.
He said it’s still too early to provide an exact return date, but another official provided the mid-to-late October estimate.
“Repairing Lincoln correctly is worth the money,” Bournes said. Before students return, he said the air would be tested to make sure it’s safe.
“It’s been a pretty chaotic situation to start the school year with a school heavy with challenges, in terms of high poverty and a pretty transient community. This just adds to the disruption,” board member Jesse Gomez said before the town hall meeting.
School board member Pattie Jo Gibson shared photos of flooding in the school’s basement she said were taken Aug. 31. She also said water was in the basement before the storm. She said she called the city’s health department after witnessing the flooding.
“They want to put it on the storm,” said Gibson. “The storm came Aug. 11; the school had water Aug. 10 when school started. There’s mold all over the school and kids are getting sick,” she said.
Gomez said the school board hired a consultant on a $50,000 contract to assess damages but hasn’t received a report yet.
“Parents are looking for answers for their concerns,” said Gibson, who said the East Chicago Fire Department issued seven violations after an inspection.
Bournes couldn’t be reached for additional comment Thursday afternoon.
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“We’re criticizing leaders we have entrusted to us through hard times,” said a parent. “We need to unify… the question for me is when is enough, enough. Put our differences aside and let’s put students first and move forward.”
School Board President Maria Mercedez Taylor acknowledged the audience’s frustration.
“I understand why our community wants answers… Being informed is not an option. It’s entrusted to us.”
Taylor said the HVAC issues might have been avoided if two board members didn’t oppose improvements for it and prioritized projects at other buildings.
“Creating conflict will not reopen our school. Focus on what matters most – our students, our staff. Our community deserves transparency,” said Taylor.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.