Grayslake Middle School To Close For Weeks Following Snowstorm Damage

GRAYSLAKE, IL — A middle school in Grayslake will remain closed for several more weeks as repairs are made to fix damage caused by last week's snowstorm.

All seven Community Unit School District 46 schools closed last week for a snow day and experienced heat and water issues due to frozen pipes. Students at Avon, Meadowview, Woodview, Prairieview and Park Campus school ended up returning Thursday but students at Frederick Elementary School and Grayslake Middle School continued with e-learning through Friday.

"Temperatures at our other schools, Avon, Meadowview, Prairieview, Woodview, Park Campus, and the Early Childhood Center are returning to normal ranges, but please dress your children in layers as some areas may be cooler than others," District 46 Superintendent Lynn Glickmann told parents in a letter sent out Thursday.

Schools officials continue to have "significant concerns" regarding the boilers, unit ventilators and sprinkler heads at Grayslake Middle School, District 46 Superintendent Lynn Glickmann said Thursday. At Frederick, the fire repression system remained frozen, "and the boilers are not providing consistent heat in the building."

"Yesterday, 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. The current estimate is 4 to 6 weeks," Glickman said "I know that this is difficult news to process, but I’m glad that I’m able to share this news while also sharing a plan moving forward."

Students will continue to learn remotely through Monday, Glickman said. Then District 46 will move its middle school temporarily to the University Center of Lake County, which is located on the College of Lake County campus, where classes will be held starting Tuesday and until repairs are complete.

"This is a magnificent facility which is filled with school amenities such as spacious classrooms, a beautiful auditorium, a health center, and a kitchen, all of which will allow onsite learning to continue for students," Glickman said.

More information is available on the District 46 website.