An Important Message About Fernway from the Board of Education
August 7, 2018—It has been nearly a month since fire destroyed the roof of Fernway Elementary School. While this setback has presented the District and Board of Education with extraordinary challenges, we have also made amazing progress. The outstanding work of the Shaker Heights Fire Department limited the damage to the building. The disaster recovery team responded with tireless efforts to cleanup and stabilize the building, and we expect to have a temporary roof on the building by the end of August. Several weeks ago, the District hired a public adjuster and insurance counsel to help us successfully sort through the complex insurance settlement process.
Meanwhile, Dr. Wilkins, Principal Hayward and the District administrative team developed a plan to house Fernway School within our fellow Shaker schools. As a result, Fernway students will begin school with other Shaker students on August 22 as planned, with Fernway kindergartners attending Onaway Elementary, Fernway first graders going to Boulevard and Fernway students in grades 2-4 having their classes at Woodbury. The District is in the process of finalizing plans for transportation, parking and other logistical issues. All of this work has gone on in fewer than 30 working days since the fire disaster. The District is moving quickly but under solid stewardship all along the way.
Throughout this process, we have strived to be as open and transparent as possible. To that end, we are pleased to announce that the District has issued a request for proposal to architectural firms interested in bidding on the job of rebuilding Fernway. We are hopeful this architectural and engineering help will allow us all to gain a better understanding of the scope of the project and the time and cost involved in rebuilding the school.
Finally, our heartfelt thanks go out to the District Administrative Team, the Mayor and City Officials, neighboring school districts, alumni and friends. A special thanks to Principal Hayward, teachers, and staff, who have been so resilient during difficult circumstances. Most of all, we thank the entire Shaker Heights community for its incredible support, patience and understanding. We are looking forward to a great school year!
-The Shaker Heights Board of Education