Emergency repairs at Grayslake Middle School push students off campus for several weeks

Emergency repairs needed at Grayslake Middle School after this week’s severe winter weather is forcing students and faculty into makeshift classrooms at the University Center of Lake County campus for several weeks.

Superintendent Lynn Glickman notified parents of the issues at the middle school as well as Frederick School for fifth and sixth graders in a letter posted on the district’s website Thursday evening.

Heating and fire suppression equipment issues are plaguing the middle school, officials said. At Frederick, frozen fire suppression line issues at the school are expected to be cleared up this weekend. Both schools remain on e-learning schedules today, according to Glickman’s letter.

However, the issues at the middle school are greater in scope, she wrote.

“We were informed by our contractors that due to the scope of the repairs that will need to be made at GMS, we will not be able to reopen that building for several weeks,” she told parents and students. “The current estimate is four to six weeks.”

Middle school students will have an emergency day off Monday as staff and faculty set up classrooms at the University Center site, located at 1200 University Center Drive in Grayslake. Students will return for in-person learning at the new location Tuesday, Glickman wrote.

Further updates regarding transportation and meals are expected soon, Glickman said.

“Our team is currently working through many details, including busing, food service, class schedule adjustments and movement of supplies,” she wrote. “We appreciate your patience as plans continue to be made.”