LTHS Assessing Structure Of All Classrooms, Spaces At Central

LOCKPORT, IL — A ceiling collapsed overnight Thursday in a third-floor classroom at Lockport Township High School Central campus, Superintendent Rob McBride said in a statement.

No students or staff members were present when the collapse happened, and no one was injured.

"When staff members and building administrators became aware of this collapse, Lockport Township High School District 205 immediately began to take steps to ensure student and staff safety," McBride said.

City officials said the underpinning of the plaster ceiling gave way in one of the classrooms, completely caving it in. The plaster is above the drop ceilings.

The plaster was over two inches thick and several inches of insulation and dry wall are now on the floor, City Administrator Ben Benson said.

LTHS operates as its own form of government, and has its own inspectors. Benson said the City is just lending knowledge.

The situation was assessed by the Homer Township and Lockport Township fire protection districts, and City of Lockport building inspector, McBride said.

Students at Central campus were dismissed from school "out of an abundance of caution," McBride said.

Police said they responded to the school to help with traffic control and the early dismissal of students.

Engineers and architects are on-site at the school to assess the structure of every classroom and space, McBride said.

"We are also working with the Regional Office of Education to determine when we can
reoccupy the building," McBride said. "We will not do so until we are assured that every space is safe for students and staff. We will update our community on plans moving forward as soon
as we have more information. As always, the safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority."

• LTHS Board Discusses Future Of LTHS Central Campus

In recent months, the District and Board of Education have started to explore the future of LTHS Central campus. The scope of a possible renovation project at the school could be between $35 million and $95 million.

LTHS Central was first built in 1909, and additions were built in 1930 and 1953, according to the District website. It currently serves as the District's freshman center.