http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/fairgrovec_4502.mp3
The Fair Grove school district decided to cancel classes for the remainder of the school year after severe storms damaged the high school last week. KSMU’s Adam Murphy reports.
The district’s state supervisor, Dr. Dennis Cooper, recommended cancellation to the State Commissioner of Education after surveying the campus and community. Fair Grove Superintendent of Schools John Link and his administrative team searched for other locations within the area that could house 1,100 students to finish the year, but decided that transitioning the students to a new facility would not be a good idea. Link says that the entire Fair Grove community was affected by the storms, so teachers, parents, and students seem supportive of the decision to cancel school.
Activities including graduation ceremonies and athletics are still continuing despite canceled classes. Graduation is moved to the Second Baptist Church in Springfield. Link mentions the feelings some seniors have towards this decision.
There is still some cause for celebration, though, despite the damages. Just three days after the storm, the high school boys track team won the first district championship in the school’s history. The district is planning to reopen schools in August, even though everything may not be completed by then. Superintendent Link maintains a positive attitude throughout these events.
For KSMU News, I’m Adam Murphy.