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Start of school delayed
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The Centertown Elementary School playground sustained flooding following the storm on Monday.
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Photos provided Five air units were damaged at Centertown Elementary School during the storm on Monday.

The storm Monday morning put a damper on the new school year, causing the first day of school to be canceled due to storm damage. 

Tuesday morning was supposed to be the first day of school, but many schools were without power Monday afternoon and Centertown Elementary School sustained damage, leading to director of Schools Dr. Grant Swallows calling off school. 

Swallows released this statement Monday evening, “At this time, multiple school buildings are without power and one school sustained damage that needs to be addressed quickly. With no power and concerns over the state of some of our buildings once power is restored, I have no choice but to delay the start of school until Wednesday, Aug. 9. I apologize for the very unorthodox beginning of the school year. I wish all that are struggling with storm damage the best.”

Winds reportedly got up to 23 miles per hour with gusts ranging between 40 to 48 miles per hour on Monday which caused many downed trees and downed powerlines across the county. The wind also damaged air units at Centertown Elementary School. 

“Five air units were pulled off the roof which caused water damage in those classrooms. We can’t assess the damage because we still have no power there,” said Swallows Monday evening. 

In a Tuesday afternoon statement to students and families, Swallows welcomed students to the new school year. "Thank you for understanding our need for the delay in beginning the school year. I would like to request your patience as some of our schools navigate some issues related to the storms that passed through our area. Some schools, especially Centertown Elementary, might have to alter normal routines for a day or so. However, we do not want that to get in the way of your student having a great first, full day so our employees have worked very hard to prepare. Lastly, I want to thank you for entrusting us with your child this school year. It is our joy to work with each one and we cannot wait to see their smiling faces."

The 2023-2024 school year is scheduled to begin today (Wednesday) at 7:45 a.m.