Urbana school prepares for classes after rebuilding from July storm

Back in July, 100-mph winds tore off the roof of Urbana Intermediate Elementary School's newly renovated section of their building. But now, school officials believe the school may actually be ready for the start of classes next week.

Water rushed in after the roof was damaged, seriously damaging four classrooms. Just five weeks later, Principal Jon Hasleiet says he believes, with round the clock work, the classrooms can be ready when school starts next week.

“Certainly I wasn't sure we'd be in those rooms by the beginning of the year,” Hasleiet said. "Teachers are chomping at the bit to get in them, and we're hoping to be in by Monday.”

The roof is back on the building, and at least two of the classrooms are pretty-well prepared for students.  Still, construction crews roam the halls fixing, installing and hammering away.  Two classrooms are still in need of serious work.

“Usually teachers want to be in their classroom three to four weeks before the school year starts," Hasleiet said. "We start school Monday, and some teachers haven't even been in their classrooms yet."

Several storage pods were home to the school supplies, books and posters teachers salvaged after the storm.  Most of the boxes have been moved back into the classrooms.  All but one container remains to be unlocked -- a storage unit belonging to third grade teacher Theresa Winterhof.

“I think we have time, but now we don't have so much time and I'm starting to get a little nervous,” Winterhof said with a laugh.

The teacher says she knows her classroom probably won't be perfect when school gets under way, but as long as it's safe for students, she says she'll be there ready to teach.

“The kids make it look like a classroom,” she said, “We'll hang some of their stuff on the wall and it'll be good.”

Hasleiet says this attitude is what helped get the school back on its feet following the storm.

“Once we get through this, it's smooth sailing,” he said, “It's just going to bring everyone tighter and closer together.”