Grayslake Middle School To Remain Closed 12 More Weeks

GRAYSLAKE, IL — Grayslakle Middle School will remain closed through April as repairs continue following damage caused by a winter storm last month, school officials said last week.

Repairs are expected to be completed by April 26, according to a news release from the Grayslake Community Consolidated School District 46 press release. Meanwhile, students and teachers have been learning at the University Center of Lake County.

Last week, District 46 officials learned of more repairs needed at Grayslake Middle School.

"The full scope of work includes fixing unit ventilators, replacing all fire sprinklers, replacing the floor in the large gym, and the complete clean up and installation of new flooring in all affected areas before the safe return of students and staff to the building," according to the District 46 press release. "Administrators have learned that this work will take approximately 12 more weeks to complete, with an approximate completion date of April 26, 2024."

Grayslake Middle School, along with all District 46 schools, first closed in mid-January for a snow day. Extreme cold followed, which lead to frozen pipes and issues with heating many of the schools and more days off of school.

On Jan. 18, district officials learned Grayslake Middle School would need to close for an estimated four to six weeks due to the scope of repairs.

On Friday, District 46 officials said "significant progress" has been made and work has begun on the large gym floor replacement. The fire sprinkler replacement project is also nearing completion while ventilator work in classrooms is currently underway but will soon be halted due to supply chain delays for necessary parts

“Our district has been very fortunate to access the University Center of Lake County - 2.1 miles
away - to house our students and staff in a safe and positive learning environment,” said District 46 superintendent Lynn Glickman. “Our students, staff, families, and community have truly come
together to ensure that teaching and learning continue while we are away from the Middle
School building.”

Most after-school activities and clubs have also been taking place at the University Center and sports teams are practicing and participating in meets and games in a variety of locations, including other CCSD 46 schools and the nearby Grayslake high school district.

“As the University Center does not have a gymnasium or PE facilities available, we continue to
consider the outdoor spaces we have available to identify ways to incorporate as much physical
activity in our students' day as possible as the weather continues to improve,” Glickman said.

Grayslake Middle School’s formal physical education program is currently delivered asynchronously. Meanwhile, band practice is happening in the morning at another CCSD 46 school before band students are transported to the University Center.

"Relocating band practice was necessary because there is no space for band students to rehearse at the temporary campus," officials said Friday.

Estimates on how much repairs at Grayslake Middle School will cost is still in the works, District 46 officials said.