McLean County students will return to class Wednesday, April 23, following nearly two weeks of closure caused by devastating flooding that officials say ranks among the worst natural disasters in the county’s history.
While most students are expected to return, McLean County High School Principal Marc Searcy said the district remains mindful of families still recovering.
“We’re excited,” Searcy said. “We know there are some kids that can’t come back — they’re displaced — and we really feel for them. But I know I have kids in our district, and they’re excited. They’re ready to get out of my house and get back to school.”
The district shut down all classes and activities during the height of the flooding, citing safety concerns and the widespread impact on families. All school-related functions, including sports and extracurriculars, were temporarily halted.
“It’s rare to have a bunch of kids want to go back to school, but they miss their friends, they miss their teachers, they miss being a part of it,” Searcy said.
District staff are working to reach out to displaced students and determine how to support them.
“We’re calling out and finding out their stories — where they are — and going from there trying to figure out the best way to help,” Searcy said. “That’s my hope, to meet them in the middle.”
In addition to reopening classrooms, the district is organizing a community cleanup day on Saturday, May 3.
“We are also doing a clean-up effort on Saturday,” Searcy said. “Students and teachers are going to help families in need.”
Athletics will also resume this week, with baseball and softball teams returning to play.
“Baseball plays tomorrow night at Hart County, and softball plays at home Thursday,” Searcy said. “They practiced yesterday and today.”
Softball teams were able to use their home field, while baseball teams had to make adjustments due to field conditions.
“Softball was fine. Baseball used half of it, but I think baseball is going to be OK,” he said. “We’re still worried about left field, where the water was on the yard the longest. But the infield has recovered well.”
The district had not implemented Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) days during the closure. They have plans in place to work with those families still displaced.
District leaders continue to ask the community to support families still affected by the flooding.
