The elementary school building for St. Michael's Academy was not damaged in the tornado.
This aerial photograph taken the day after the tornado shows damage to Cathedral High School.SPRINGFIELD – Church officials are still unsure where students from Cathedral High School and St. Michael’s Middle School will be attending class next year, but they are positive the schools will reopen in September.
“I don’t know where classes will be held next year but they will be held,” The Most Rev. Timothy A. McDonnell, bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield said.
The building that housed the about 450-student Cathedral High School and 200-student St. Michael’s Academy middle school on Surrey Road was ravaged by the June 1 tornado. In the days following the storm, the diocese announced the school would not be usable in September and ended high school classes for the rest of the year.
The elementary school building nearby on 153 Eddywood St. was not damaged.
The diocesan officials previously said McDonnell’s goal was to re-open the school for the fall, but hesitated to say the school would definitely reopen because it has been difficult to find possible locations for classes.
But recently Mark E. Dupont, spokesman for the diocese, said officials are now examining several temporary locations, making it definite that the school can reopen for the fall.
“The search process is proceeding. We have various options, all with some pluses and minuses,” he said.
He did not reveal any of the possible locations or say if any are in Springfield. Dupont said previously the top choice is to find a temporary school in Springfield.
“While we understand parents are anxious to get answers, and we certainly want to announce temporary locations as soon as possible, it is important within our limited time frame to make the right decision on such a location,” he said.
McDonnell plans to make an announcement as soon as possible, but no date has been named, he said.
The diocese is working with its real estate consultants at Colebrook Realty as well as educators to determine which is the best spot for the school. Dupont did not say if all the middle and high school students would be able to be housed in the same building.
Meanwhile insurance agents, engineers and other building consultants are continuing to determine the extent of damage at the Cathedral High School building.
No decision can be made on whether the school should be razed and rebuilt or repaired until the evaluations are completed. An answer in not expected for a few months, Dupont said.