Wisconsin Schools Battle Storm Aftermath: Classes Disrupted and Buildings Damaged
Recent severe weather has left a trail of destruction across Wisconsin, affecting schools and communities. With classes suspended in some areas and students attending alternative facilities, the impact of the storms is evident.
The state experienced intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, and tornadoes last week, resulting in extensive damage. The National Weather Service reported at least 14 tornadoes hitting Wisconsin.
In Janesville, an elementary school remains closed due to water damage, while Shiocton students have been out of class for over a week following an emergency evacuation caused by flooding.
Riverside Elementary School, serving about 450 students from kindergarten to fifth grade, was hit by a tornado in Ringle on Friday night. Classes were initially canceled but have since resumed at a local community center.
Superintendent Casey Nye of the D.C. Everest Area School District reported significant damage, including a missing exterior wall and damaged rooftop units. He emphasized the importance of ensuring safety before reopening the school, stating, “We again want to make sure that we’ve done everything that we need to, from a due diligence perspective — that we are 100 percent certain that Riverside is safe to return to as soon as we can.”
The Shiocton School District has been closed since April 15 due to flooding from the Wolf River, leading to an emergency evacuation. Superintendent Garrett Zimmerman noted that around 700 students from elementary to high school have been displaced, with all attending classes in a single building near the river.
“So I have a very large number of students and staff who are displaced from their homes,” Zimmerman said, highlighting the broader impact on the community.
Events like prom and various sports activities were also canceled, with Zimmerman acknowledging their importance by stating, “Which is, I mean, lower on the level of priority, but still a priority for students in the community.” Classes are expected to remain canceled for the rest of the week, though damage inside the school seems minimal.
Residents of Shiocton are expected to return home on Thursday, as indicated by a social media update from the village.
In Janesville, Washington Elementary School will stay closed “for the foreseeable future due to water damage,” according to an announcement. The district is exploring alternative spaces for about 400 displaced students.
Damage assessments revealed significant impacts on essential areas like the kitchen, lunchroom, and several classrooms, confirming the need for extended closure.
Waterford Union High School in Racine County also suffered damage from a tornado last Tuesday. The storm destroyed the baseball field’s fence, damaged the dugout roof, and affected the tennis courts. Superintendent Dr. Luke Francois noted that around 75 trees were downed, and the school will not host home baseball games this season.
Francois remarked on the extensive repairs needed, stating, “We have obviously got some significant repair, replacements and cleanup to do as a result of that storm.”
