Repairs needed at two Dist. 95 schools
Already working to repair structural defects at one of its middle schools, Lake Zurich Unit District 95 officials now are dealing with problems at a neighboring elementary school, too.
In a letter sent to parents of students this week, Middle School North Principal Nathan Carter said repairs need to be made at his building and at Spencer Loomis Elementary School, which are next to each other in Hawthorn Woods.
The letter did not describe the extent of the damage at Spencer Loomis School, saying only that photographs and testing revealed the roof and wall anchors need to be fixed.
The letter also said the repairs needed at Spencer Loomis School are more extensive than those at the middle school.
Reached by phone Friday, District 95 school board member Tony Pietro said: "Things that we've come across have been unexpected, but very troubling."
The repairs at Spencer Loomis are being scheduled and should occur before the 2008-09 school year begins Aug. 26, Carter wrote. More tests will be reviewed before school starts, too, he added.
An independent forensic engineering firm, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, has worked with the district since 2006 to investigate the structural problems at the middle school. The building opened in 2004; two years later, cracks started appearing in interior walls.
Last year, officials said part of the school was built on unstable soil that was not properly treated.
Spencer Loomis School opened in 2003. The cause of the damage there is not yet known, Pietro said.
The engineering firm has recommended the classroom area at Loomis remain unoccupied when wind speeds exceed 35 mph.
"This recommendation, which we are following, may impact (teachers) as they return to set up their classrooms," Carter wrote.
Additionally, a sixth-grade scavenger hunt scheduled for Aug. 12 at Middle School North has been canceled because of the work.
Officials are being cautious to ensure the schools are safe for students and employees, Pietro said. Officials are not considering delaying the start of classes, he said.