By Celine Klosterman
KEOKUK — Keokuk Catholic Schools was encouraged by parents’ outpouring of support after a roof leak the night of Tuesday, Aug. 31, led to flooding in both preschool rooms, the library, hallway and chapel, said Assistant Principal Sharon Kokemuller.
Parents have donated money, books and classroom items to help replace “hundreds of dollars worth” of unsalvageable books and materials, she said. The school also threw out two wet carpets in kindergarten classrooms. Two computers and library TVs and electronics sustained water damage.
Insurance coverage should provide some relief, Kokemuller said late last week.
The source of the leak hasn’t been determined, though water in the chapel seems to have come through the skylight, she said. The school’s roof was already in the process of being replaced when the leak occurred. The depth of water varied throughout the school, but in a hallway was deep enough to cover the soles of her sandals.
All classes at the preschool to fifth-grade building were cancelled for the Wednesday and Thursday immediately after the water was discovered at about 7 a.m. Wednesday. A teacher in-service took place Friday. Preschool programs for this week were cancelled to allow time for rooms to be cleaned, sanitized and dried out. “The priority is making sure it’s safe for kids to come back,” Kokemuller said.
Parents, volunteers and staff spent much of Sept. 1 and 2 hauling out wet insulation and ceiling tiles. “I had tears in my eyes because I was so overwhelmed by their discipleship and willingness to do whatever was needed,” Kokemuller said. “I was very proud to be a part of it all.”
