Flood repairs proceeding in Diamond Lake District 76

Fair weather of late has enabled floodwater to recede, but business as usual in some spots is still a way off.

That includes Diamond Lake Elementary District 76, which continues cleanup and restoration at Fairhaven School, 634 Countryside Hwy. in Mundelein, which was hard hit.

School officials will be racing the clock to replace flooring and paint the library and gym before Aug. 16, the start of the new school year for kindergartners and first-graders. Early childhood and pre-K students begin classes Aug. 22.

"The D76 administrative team is working closely with the construction managers and the insurance adjusters to see what furniture, resources and instructional items need to be replaced due to the damage," Superintendent Bhavna Sharma-Lewis said.

A complete list of what is needed and a timeline for completion is expected in the near future, she added.

The library, gym and corridor were especially affected, but many other areas were quickly dried and the district is monitoring them for mold.

Tuesday night, the school board was to have considered a resolution authorizing Sharma-Lewis or the director of finance and operations to approve and sign any contracts or documents related to expenditures of emergency funds to address Fairhaven storm damage.

The meeting was canceled due to a lack of quorum, but that will not have an impact on the process, school officials said.

Flood-related work isn't the only activity planned or in progress at the school on Mundelein's southeast side.

Air conditioning is being installed in 10 classrooms at Fairhaven as a summer project. Long-term work includes renovations of bathrooms; heating and air-conditioning upgrades; new playground equipment, drainage and site work; remodeled drop-off/pick-up area; and, new flooring, finishes and lighting in classrooms.

Visit www.dist76.org for an update of progress on projects at the district's three schools.

Neighboring Mundelein District 75 did not sustain flood damage but the parent teacher organization, in partnership with Target, raised $7,475 to be distributed to 26 families and 92 residents, according to Superintendent Andy Henrikson.