WEST BEND, Wis.— West Bend East and West high schools will remain closed through Friday, following last week’s early morning fire.
In a letter sent to families, West Bend High School principal Jennifer Potter says students will continue remote learning through Friday, November 13, while crews clean the buildings and conduct environmental testing.
The fire broke out last Wednesday, November 4, in second-floor classroom near the Nifty Nibble student cafe. No students or staff were inside at the time.
The district says some athletic and extracurricular activities have been relocated, but the buildings remain closed to students, staff and families.
Reopening will depend on environmental testing, guidance from specialists and approval from city and state officials. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
West Bend School District sent out a message late last week to inform families:
Dear WBHS Families and Students,
We recognize that this situation has created uncertainty and disruption for staff, students, and families. We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we work through these circumstances.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated (e.g. equipment, electrical, etc.). Environmental management services are continuing cleanup and assessment work in the building (air quality, surface testing for soot, etc.). Additionally, meetings have taken place with representatives from the remediation team, insurance, the City of West Bend, mechanical contractors, fire specialist contractors, and the Department of Public Health as part of the ongoing coordination and response efforts. The cleanup process is extensive, as every surface must be cleaned multiple times (walls, desks, etc.).
As this work continues, our high schools will remain closed, and students will continue with the current remote/virtual learning structure next week, beginning Monday, November 9 through Friday, November 13.
We have worked directly with staff and students whose activities have been immediately affected to make alternative arrangements where possible. For example, swim and dive were relocated to Schroeder and the West Bend YMCA to prepare for this weekend’s sectional meet. Other programs were moved to spaces within the district. Following clearance of air testing, the Spartan football team was able to retrieve equipment and relocate to the stadium for practice ahead of tonight’s game. Band and orchestra students also had an opportunity to pick up their instruments. We have also worked with Moraine Park Technical College to make arrangements for our CNA students, and a previously scheduled field trip was able to take place.
These arrangements are limited to those specific activities and do not change the building closure. The high schools remain closed to all students, staff, and families. We cannot release additional materials or personal belongings from the buildings at this time. Even in areas that have been cleared, there is potential that smoke may have reached other surfaces or materials, and those items must remain in place until they can be properly assessed, cleaned, and authorized for removal.
At this time, we know our high school buildings will remain closed until at least Monday, November 16. The timeline for reopening will depend on the results of environmental testing, the guidance we receive following that assessment, and clearance for occupancy by the appropriate city and state agencies. We will share updates as more information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience and understanding,
Jennifer Potter
Principal
