News Summary

Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners has postponed its opening by two weeks due to severe flood damage from a record storm. The building suffered extensive damage, particularly in classrooms and common areas, and will not reopen until at least September 8. The school is in urgent need of community support and funds to cover repairs after flooding that caused over $1 million in damage, heavily impacting its operation for students with special needs.

Hales Corners, Wisconsin: Journeys Lutheran School Delays Opening by Two Weeks Due to Severe Flood Damage

Journeys Lutheran School, a Hales Corners institution serving students with special needs, has postponed its start date by at least two weeks due to extensive flood damage. The school, which caters to 128 students with various disabilities, was initially set to open on August 25 but is now aiming for a reopening by September 8, contingent upon recovery progress.

The flooding, caused by nearly 7 inches of rain during a record-setting storm, led to an overwhelming influx of sewage and rainwater into the building. Significant damage has been reported throughout the premises, particularly in the basement and ground floor areas, affecting classrooms, the library, and the gym.

Estimates for the total damage exceed $1 million, with approximately $100,000 earmarked for cleanup efforts alone. Compounding the challenge, the school does not carry flood insurance, which has prompted local community members to initiate fundraising efforts to aid in recovery.

Community Support and Fundraising Efforts

In response to the disaster, community member Kaitlyn Chapman organized a lemonade stand to raise funds for the school’s recovery. The school administration plans to host a volunteer cleanup day on August 25 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. to involve not only teachers but also parents and local residents in restoration efforts.

In addition to volunteer efforts, Journeys Lutheran School has established an online fundraiser to gather donations aimed at covering the substantial costs of repairs and restoration. A local fundraising initiative at Culver’s is also set to contribute 10% of its sales on a specific date to assist the school.

Impact on the School Community

The event has sparked concern among families and educators, with school head Jenny Stollenwerk emphasizing the school’s role as a vital safe space for its students. Teachers, including Mark Zimmerman, have shifted their focus from preparing for the new school year to engaging in the intense cleanup process.

As part of the recovery effort, school officials discovered asbestos within the building, necessitating specialized mitigation measures. This revelation has added complexity to the recovery timeline, further challenging the school’s ability to resume regular operations without delay.

Future Focus

Journeys Lutheran School urgently requires both professional and volunteer help for various tasks, which include cleaning, painting, and replacing flooring. The commitment and support of the local community will be essential for a successful recovery and the school’s eventual reopening.

The situation highlights the resilience of the Hales Corners community, as families, educators, and local businesses unite to restore the school environment for students with special needs. As cleanup efforts continue, the school administration remains hopeful for a swift resolution so that the students can return to their learning environment as soon as possible.

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HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• WISN: Flood Damage Delays Start of School in Hales Corners
• Wikipedia: Hales Corners, Wisconsin
• Spectrum News: Journeys Lutheran School Flood Damage
• Google Search: Journeys Lutheran School flooding
• TMJ4: Special Needs School Faces $1 Million in Flood Damage
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
• JSONline: Riverside High School & Journeys Lutheran School Affected by Flooding
• Google News: Flood Damage Schools

Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER

MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.