Hales Corners, Wisconsin, August 21, 2025
News Summary
Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners has delayed its opening by at least two weeks following severe flood damage caused by a historic storm. The school, serving 128 students with special needs, faces damages exceeding $1 million and has begun community fundraising efforts. Cleanup operations are currently underway, with volunteers encouraged to participate. The administration aims to reopen by September 8, despite the significant challenges posed by the flooding and the discovery of asbestos in the building.
Hales Corners, Wisconsin – Journeys Lutheran School has announced a postponement of its school year start date due to severe flood damage impacting its facilities. The first day of school, initially set for August 25, will now be delayed by at least two weeks, with hopes to reopen by September 8.
The flooding, which occurred after nearly 7 inches of rain fell during a historic storm, severely affected the school’s basement and ground floor. An influx of sewage and rainwater caused extensive water damage throughout the building, including in the library, classrooms, and gymnasium. Total damages are estimated to exceed $1 million, which includes about $100,000 specifically allocated for cleanup operations.
Journeys Lutheran School primarily serves 128 students with special needs, including those diagnosed with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and various learning disabilities. The school has also reported that it does not have flood insurance coverage, prompting the initiation of a community fundraising effort to help cover the recovery costs.
In response to the disaster, Kaitlyn Chapman, a local community member, organized a lemonade stand aiming to raise funds for the school’s recovery. The school’s head, Jenny Stollenwerk, has expressed her concerns for the families and students affected, emphasizing the school’s vital role as a safe haven.
Additionally, teachers at the school, including Mark Zimmerman, have transitioned from preparing for the upcoming academic year to actively participating in the cleanup process. During the recovery efforts, the school administration discovered asbestos in the building, necessitating specialized mitigation efforts as part of the restoration process.
In an effort to expedite the recovery, Journeys Lutheran School is hosting a volunteer cleanup day on August 25 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. As part of its broader fundraising initiative, the school has set up an online fundraiser to help manage the damages and restore the building to its original state. A local fundraiser at Culver’s will also donate 10% of its sales on a designated date to assist with the recovery efforts.
Stollenwerk has emphasized the immediate need for both professionals and volunteers to assist with various tasks, such as cleaning, painting, and replacing flooring in the impacted areas. The hope is to rally community support to not only rebuild the school’s infrastructure but also maintain its commitment to providing a nurturing environment for its students.
Summary of Key Events
- Journeys Lutheran School in Hales Corners faces a two-week delay in opening due to flood damage.
- Flooding was caused by nearly 7 inches of rain leading to over $1 million in damages.
- The school serves 128 students with special needs, highlighting its importance in the community.
- No flood insurance coverage is available, prompting fundraising initiatives.
Community Involvement
- Kaitlyn Chapman has organized a lemonade stand for fundraising.
- Teachers are assisting in clean-up rather than preparing for the start of the year.
- Volunteer days and fundraisers are planned to engage the community in recovery efforts.
Cleanup Efforts
- Volunteer cleanup day scheduled for August 25.
- Asbestos discovery requires specialized handling.
- Community encouraged to provide assistance with various manual tasks.
Future Actions
- School aims to reopen by September 8.
- Online and local fundraising efforts underway to cover costs.
FAQ
When will Journeys Lutheran School reopen?
The school aims to reopen by September 8, after a delay from the original start date of August 25.
What caused the flooding?
The flooding was the result of a historic storm that brought nearly 7 inches of rain, leading to damage from both rainwater and sewage.
How much damage has been incurred?
Total damages are estimated to exceed $1 million, which includes over $100,000 specifically allocated for cleanup efforts.
Are there fundraising efforts in place?
Yes, community members have organized various fundraising efforts, including an online fundraiser and a local event at Culver’s that will donate a percentage of sales to aid in recovery.
Key Features of Journeys Lutheran School Flood Recovery
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Damage Cost | Over $1 million |
| Original Opening Date | August 25 |
| New Opening Date | September 8 (Tentative) |
| Number of Students | 128 |
| Community Fundraising Events | Lemonade stand, online fundraiser, and local restaurant fundraiser |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WISN: Flood Damage Delays Start of School in Hales Corners
- Wikipedia: Hales Corners, Wisconsin
- Spectrum News: Journeys Lutheran School Flood Damage
- Google Search: Journeys Lutheran School flooding
- TMJ4: Special Needs School Faces $1 Million in Flood Damage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flood
- JSONline: Riverside High School & Journeys Lutheran School Affected by Flooding
- Google News: Flood Damage Schools
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
