SAYBROOK, Ohio — Heavy lake-effect snow has forced the only high school serving the city of Ashtabula and its surrounding communities to shut down.
The roof at Lakeside High School in Saybrook Township partially collapsed over the weekend. According to National Weather Service estimates, Saybrook has seen more than five feet of snow over the last several days.
"We found some ceiling tile(s) that were on the floor and water that was coming in," Township Fire Chief John Jyurovat told reporters Monday.
In this area, residents say snow and cold is usually at its peak in January or February. Ashtabula Area City Schools Superintendent Lisa Newsome was shocked by the amount of accumulation in late November into December.
"We have not experienced this amount of snow," Newsome said. "We received another alarm about 1:55 this morning. We realized that the roof finally did collapse in some areas."
Of most importance was a partial collapse of the academic wing, where classes are taught. According to Newsome, engineers have informed the district that the building is not structurally sound, even though it's relatively new after opening in 2006 with a campus-type feel.
Repairs could take weeks, Newsome says. Now the concern is what to do with the 800 students who were expected to come back this week after the Thanksgiving break.
"My job is and my priority is to make sure the students are educated," Newsome added, "so we're going to have to relocate for the time being."
While plans are still being finalized, Newsome says some of the teens may be transferred to the middle school across the street. There have also been talks about a potential partnership with Kent State University, which operates a satellite campus in Ashtabula.
Officials are also adamant they do not want to resort to remote learning, instead wanting to keep the kids in the classroom.