Fireworks-induced Fire at Wood Creek Elementary may Disrupt Start of Academic Year

Fireworks-induced Fire at Wood Creek Elementary may Disrupt Start of Academic Year

In the wake of a fire incident at Wood Creek Elementary School, the start of the upcoming academic year may be in jeopardy. Misused fireworks by unidentified individuals reportedly caused the fire that damaged a significant portion of the school building in the early dawn of July 27, 2024.

While the firefighters efficiently put out the blaze on the building’s rooftop, the ensuing water and smoke damage caused extensive harm to the school’s infrastructure, making it unfit for occupancy.

The calamitous incident already led to the displacement of voters as the school was initially scheduled to be a polling location for the primary election on August 6.

Kelly Coffin, the superintendent of Farmington Public Schools, assured the stakeholders,

“We are doing everything on our end… connecting with the state authorities to ensure that we satisfy all necessary requisites for reopening the school. However, a lot of repair work must be undertaken before we gain full occupancy.”

Various critical areas inside the school have been adversely affected by the incident, including the cafeteria, music room, gymnasium, and two kindergarten classrooms. This unfortunate event has put the school district’s officials on high alert, prompting them to devise a workable plan to rectify the situation promptly.

“In the aftermath of the incident, we have arranged around-the-clock security service for the school premises to prevent any further complications embarking from illegal entries or potential fire threats,” explained Joshua Webb from City Shield Security Services.

In the quest for a solution, the district’s administration is exploring multiple options for the affected students, which include:

• Temporary shifting of students to other schools in the district
• Initiating virtual schooling for up to 15 days
• Postponing the school’s opening, which may end up extending the school days at the end of the academic year

Widespread parental concerns were raised during the August 13 Board of Education meeting about the possible implementation of virtual schooling. Many parents expressed that they work full-time and managing young children during virtual school has its host of challenges.

Despite the uncertainty circling the reopening of the school, the stakeholders are hopeful that the situation would be managed promptly, allowing students to continue their education with minimal disruption.

If you are a parent or guardian seeking more information or an update on the situation, you may email Principal Christina Lewis at
christina.lewis@fpsk12.net or send an automated email to info@fpsk12.net.