News Summary
Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, has announced a delay in its opening following severe flood damage caused by a historic storm. Originally set to open on August 25, the school will now aim to reopen by September 8. The flood resulted in significant water damage and was exacerbated by the absence of flood insurance. Community efforts are underway to assist with cleanup and restoration, including a fundraiser and volunteer cleanup day. Despite the challenges, the school remains committed to serving its students with special needs.
Hales Corners, Wisconsin – Journeys Lutheran School has announced a delay in its opening due to extensive flood damage caused by a recent historic storm. The school, which caters to 128 students with special needs, will postpone its first day of classes, originally slated for August 25, by at least two weeks, with a target reopening date of September 8.
The flooding resulted from nearly 7 inches of rain, leading to significant water intrusion, including sewage, into the school facilities. The basement and ground floor were the most severely affected areas, with water damage reported throughout various parts of the building, including the library, classrooms, and gymnasium. Total damages are projected to exceed $1 million, which encompasses $100,000 earmarked specifically for cleanup efforts.
Complicating the situation, the school reported that it does not have flood insurance coverage. This has prompted a community response, including a fundraising campaign to help cover the costs associated with damages and restorations. Community member Kaitlyn Chapman initiated a lemonade stand to raise funds specifically for the recovery of Journeys Lutheran School.
The head of the school, Jenny Stollenwerk, expressed deep concern for the families and students affected by this crisis, stressing the crucial role the school plays as a safe haven for its students. Instead of getting ready for the school year, teachers, including Mark Zimmerman, are actively participating in the cleanup process in response to the flooding.
In addition to the immediate cleanup, the school discovered asbestos in its buildings, necessitating specialized mitigation efforts as part of the overall recovery plan. In light of this challenge, Journeys Lutheran School has organized a volunteer cleanup day scheduled for August 25, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. The school is actively calling upon community members for assistance with various tasks including cleaning, painting, and replacing flooring.
Furthering these relief efforts, the school has created an online fundraiser to help cover the damages and aid in the restoration of the building. Additionally, a local fundraiser hosted by Culver’s will donate 10% of its sales on a designated date to assist the school in its recovery efforts.
As the situation develops, the school administration is closely monitoring the progress of the cleanup and restoration activities, hoping for a swift resolution to get students back into a safe and secure learning environment. The collaborative efforts between the school staff and the community highlight the supportive network available for the families affected by this disaster.
Journeys Lutheran School remains committed to its mission of providing specialized education to students with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and learning disabilities and will continue to update the community on reopening plans as more information becomes available.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
