‘We’re Shawnee Strong’: Shawnee PS Announces Plans After Strong Storms Caused Damage

A week later, Shawnee Public Schools is back up and running. They are estimating $20 million in damages after a series of storms caused damage to several school sites.

On Wednesday, members of the swim team and a wrestler were the stars at the state Capitol. They were honored for taking home a state trophy, a chance to forget for a few moments as the community rebuilds.

"We have hosted baseball playoffs on our field for 31 years. So that is not happening this year," Shawnee Superintendent Dr. April Grace said.

The athletics building cracked into pieces, the alternative academy walls ripped away and the athletic fields not the same.

Middle school students will learn virtually at least this Thursday and Friday.

"There is substantial roof damage there. So, we are trying to determine if that building is safe,' Dr. Grace said. 

As for those in high school, it's virtual learning from now until the end of the year. 

No additional learning days will be added to the calendar, graduation is still on May 18 for seniors. Their years in school were historic.

"In middle school, they had the teacher walk out. Their first year was Covid, and now their senior year is disrupted," Dr. Grace said. 

Dr. Grace said they are Shawnee strong. 

The district is now figuring out ways to feed middle and high school students for the rest of the year.

As for elementary students, those buildings were not hit, so they will return in person until the end of the year starting Thursday.