Lincoln School closed after Fire Marshal flags structural damage; district relocates programs

Superintendent Hattrick told the Ashland School District 5 board Aug. 28 that Lincoln School is closed after the Fire Marshal identified structural damage during the district's annual fire inspections. "We are still in an information-gathering phase," Hattrick said, and the district has limited access to the building until safety work and further evaluations are complete.

District staff reported immediate relocations to maintain services: Catalyst and Thoreau programs moved to AHS ENG 1 & 2; Level 2 specialized programs relocated to AHS and AMS; and Student Services staff moved to the IT building. Executive Director of Operations Steve Mitzel served as a safety coordinator during the relocation, using an entry-and-exit log and scheduled moving times.

Hattrick outlined next steps: temporary shoring for safety, a structural investigation, a summary of findings, and an insurance evaluation to determine coverage. He clarified that although damage was observed in one wing, the cause is unknown so the district closed the entire building as a precaution. The district said these processes "could take a month or longer."