District 'Very Optimistic' About LTHS Central Opening Aug. 19

LOCKPORT, IL — Progress continues as expected at LTHS Central Campus, as the District looks to the start of the new school year planned for Aug. 19.

Last November, a ceiling collapsed in one of the classrooms at the century-old campus. The District began a three-phase project to inspect all the ceilings and reconstruct any that needed it.

In a message to the community, Superintendent Robert McBride said that repairs at the school are in the final phase.

"The first two phases involved demolishing ceilings in 23 classrooms and three hallways and then completing a structural assessment once those ceilings were removed," McBride said. "Now, we are in the final, third phase of rebuilding the ceilings to reopen Central on Aug. 19, 2024, at the start of school."

The first floor is finished, and the second floor should be done soon, McBride said.

"In the 1928 section of the building, we are taking a careful look at some masonry work in the classroom walls," he said. "This is the final stage of the masonry and carpentry work we anticipated being necessary once ceilings were removed."

When the masonry work is reviewed, the District will be able to fully confirm that it is on time to start school on Aug. 19.

McBride said he expects to give another update in the next two weeks.

"Due to regulations and procedures used by the Illinois State Board of Education, the reopening of Central Campus impacts the start of school for our entire district," he said. "Any delay at Central would also delay the start of school at East Campus."

McBride said the District remains "very optimistic" about opening Central on time, and thus, opening the entire District for school on Aug. 19.