Школа в Чарльстоне откроет учебный год в здании университета из-за последствий урагана

CHARLESTON, Ill. (WAND) — After tornadoes tore through Charleston in June, many parts of the community were severely damaged, including Charleston Middle School. With the first day of school quickly approaching, district leaders said the beginning of the school year will look a little different. "For some of our students, it may be a new look for them, but what they need to know is that we're going to have the same culture," said Robert Lynn, principal of Charleston Middle School. School will be held inside Eastern Illinois University's Coleman Hall. CMS students will use the first two floors for classes. Lynn said the partnership shows how communities come together after a tragedy. "The partnership that we've had with EIU has just been magnificent. We've had several meetings in the last couple of weeks, and they have just been wonderful about coming up with solutions," Lynn said. The school board said classrooms will be smaller than what students are used to, but leaders hope the love of learning will fill the space. "Also, we want them to make their classrooms feel personal and like home at the same time, so we're trying to find that delicate balance," said Assistant Superintendent Kristen Holly. The superintendent encourages families to stay positive. "If we're just complaining all the time, kids are going to pick up on that, versus we're going to be here for a few months. I don't know when we're going to be back, but until then, we just need to make the best of it," said Chad Burgett, superintendent of schools. There is no clear timeline for students to return to the original building, but district officials are working with insurance companies to assess the damage and determine the cost. "We're going to have a lot of unknown expenses related to the tornado damage," Burgett said. Lynn said he is confident CMS will have a great school year, regardless of the building. "We have a magnificent team at Charleston Middle School, and I'm very proud of them. I know they'll welcome any challenge," Lynn said. The district's first day of school is Aug. 11. Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.