Clark-Shawnee district discovers ‘significant’ structural issue in Reid School; students to finish week virtually

Reid Elementary School in the Clark-Shawnee Local School District discovered a structural issue on Wednesday morning that caused the building to close, according to the district’s superintendent.

“This morning, school staff discovered and immediately reported a facility issue. After further examination, we determined that there is a significant facility issue in the library area at Reid School,” said Superintendent Brian Kuhn.

Staff had discovered fallen ceiling tiles and a structural issue of a bowing wooden beam in the school library, according to Kuhn.

No students were in any of the buildings on Wednesday due to it being a virtual learning day, and all staff were sent home to finish the work day virtually.

Kuhn said the district has contacted a structural engineering company that will examine the issue and recommend the next steps.

As a result of the structural issue, students will transition to online learning at home on Thursday and Friday, Kuhn said.

“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. We will transition to online learning to ensure their safety while our staff and repair companies further examine the issue,” he said.

The two virtual days for Reid students will allow time for evaluation, as well as any repairs or inspections that may be needed, Kuhn said.

Kuhn said Reid students will follow the Virtual Learning Makeup Day plan to complete lessons and assignment that will be posted to their Google Classrooms.

This plan applies to Reid School only. Shawnee Middle and High School, Possum and Rockway Schools are not impacted by this change.

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