Significant Damage Done To Fernway Elementary, School Leaders Say

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — A fire broke out at Fernway Elementary on Tuesday morning, leading the building's roof to collapse and causing significant damage to the school. District leaders have said they are considering options for families that have students set to attend Fernway next year, and are encouraging the community to come together.

"The devastating fire at Fernway Elementary School tore at our hearts and left many of us overcome with disbelief. For nearly 100 years, Fernway Elementary has been the epicenter of the neighborhood. It is the safe place for learning, for playing, for coming together. And it still will be," said Interim Superintendent Stephen Wilkins in a message to residents.

Wilkins went on to say that school district leaders are still assessing the damage done to Fernway and mulling next steps. He promised that whatever decisions are made, Fernway will remain "whole" and will "continue to thrive as an educational community."

Contingency plans are being developed by the Board of Education and Wilkins. The interim superintendent promised to hold a public meeting to keep residents informed of the situation at Fernway.

"This is an unfortunate setback for all of us. Despite these difficult circumstance, we will work together to come up with a plan that meets the needs of the community," the Board of Education said in its own statement to the community.

(For more news like this, find your local Patch here. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here. And like Patch on Facebook!)

Photo from Google Earth