East Chicago School Remains Closed Due to HVAC Issues and Flooding, Return Date Uncertain
Lincoln Elementary School in East Chicago, Indiana, remains closed with students relocated due to significant damage from an August 11 derecho. The storm caused a flooded basement, a failed HVAC system, and a broken pump in the 1971-built school, which serves 285 students. School City of East Chicago officials, including Superintendent Stephen Bournes, informed parents at a town hall meeting that the estimated return date for students is mid-to-late October. The storm damage is estimated at $500,000. School board member Pattie Jo Gibson presented photos of flooding from August 31 and claimed water was present before the storm, suggesting mold issues and student illness. The East Chicago Fire Department reportedly issued seven violations after an inspection.
