News: Back to School in Shelby

By Dave Summers

SHELBY (WKYC) -- Now that floodwaters are receding many towns and communities in northwest Ohio are left with a mountain of clean-up and debris.

The first day of school presents its own series of challenges but in districts like Shelby pulling it off this year seemed nothing short of a miracle.

Last Tuesday flood waters filled the basements and first floors of both elementary and middle schools. Wastewater mixed with runoff made for potential health problems that could have cancelled extracuricular activities and made for a late start to the school year.

Instead residents, administrators, teachers, and students pulled together to save the school year. The cleanup started even before the building was dry. Six classrooms were flooded. Much of the life skills classroom equipment was ruined. Special needs classrooms and equipment were saturated.

The middle school lost much of its football equipment. Both gymnasiums will also have to be rebuilt. Middle School Principal Tim Tarvin says teachers will have to be more creative with their curiculum particularly in the gym classes.

Inspectors gave the school a clean bill of health so parents and students won't have to worry about their safety. Kids seem to be taking this in stride. Many of them actually helped with cleanup.

To Watch Video of Dave Summers in Shelby: CLICK HERE