Fernway Fundraising Campaign Launches In Shaker Heights

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — The Shaker Schools Foundation launched a fundraiser to renovate, restore and update Fernway Elementary. Called the Fernway Forward fund, the money raised by the campaign will go to upgrading the school building.

On July 10, 2018, a fire broke out on the roof of Fernway. Putting the blaze out required a lot of water. Between the water and smoke, severe damage was caused to the building and the district had to quickly assign students to other elementary schools for the 2018-2019 school year.

After much debate and deliberation, the district announced it would preserve Fernway and pay to have it renovated and reopened. Five months to the day of the fire, on Monday, Dec. 10, the Shaker Schools Foundation announced the Fernway Forward fund.

Using a $14.5 million insurance settlement, additional school funds of $3 million, and money raised through the Fernway Forward campaign, the district plans to upgrade the elementary school's facilities.

According to the Shaker Heights Schools, the insurance settlement and school funds will be deployed to restore Fernway. The fundraising campaign will pay to upgrade the building with:

• Outdoor community spaces and play areas
• Media center and design spaces
• Occupational therapy rooms art and music rooms
• Cafeteria and community space

Donations can be made online.

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