New Hamburg school evacuated after wall shifts

NEW HAMBURG, Mo. -- An elementary school building was evacuated Friday after it sustained sudden structural damage, and classes will be moved to nearby church buildings until further notice.

Shortly after 8 a.m. Friday, Kelso C-7 Elementary, a preK-8 district in New Hamburg, evacuated its 125 students and 22 faculty after a wall apparently shifted in the school cafeteria.

"We heard a loud noise that brought our attention to the issue," superintendent Kim Burger said. "After initial, surface-level evaluations, we know that a wall and floor have settled, and there are sections of the plumbing that have been compromised."

A temporary repair was made by a general contractor, and a plumbing company also was asked to evaluate the situation, Burger said.

Students will not be allowed back in the school building, however, until more permanent repairs can be made and professional clearance is given, Burger said.

"St. Lawrence priest, Father Michael Casteel, has generously given us the blessing to use all spaces within the St. Lawrence campus," Burger said. "Therefore, all classes will be temporarily moved throughout the St. Lawrence property."

The Kelso C-7 Board of Education met Friday to discuss the short-term plans, plans to finish the school year and long-range plans, Burger said.

On Saturday morning, nearly 100 community members help move materials from classrooms in the school building to three nearby buildings owned by the St. Lawrence Church in New Hamburg -- the parish center, parish hall and rectory.

"Despite the building issues, today was incredible," Burger said Saturday. "The outpouring of support and help is overwhelming. The Kelso C-7 family never fails to come through."

There will be no school for students Monday.

"To allow our teachers some time to settle and establish their new classroom, Monday will be a teacher work day," Burger said. "School is set to resume on Tuesday at regular time."

A town hall meeting for anyone who would like to hear more specifics, ask questions and see where their child will be having class is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at the St. Lawrence Parish Center.