Harrisburg School Suffers Tornado Damage

By Sharon Stevens Education Reporter

Harrisburg, IL (KSDK) - The damage in Harrisburg wasn't limited to homes and businesses. Schools were hit as well.

While some seem fine from the outside, when you go inside, it's a different story.

All classes have been canceled until Monday. Meanwhile, educators are keeping their fingers crossed about the future of the newest school, Harrisburg Middle School.

At first glance, the school on Bulldog Boulevard looks fine. The classrooms are empty, and in and around Harrisburg Middle School, engineers and educators are checking for possible structural damage. Cracks in the ceilings and walls that weren't there before, are there now.

In addition to possible structural damage, the district has some other concerns. Students are scheduled to begin state-wide testing next week. That will take place as planned.

The state high school basketball sectionals are also going on. Wednesday night's game against Benton was canceled, but the teams will be playing Thursday night in nearby El Dorado.

Superintendent Dennis Smith says no students or staff at the middle school were injured, although many families did suffer property damage.