District 32 Community,
As part of our ongoing tornado recovery, District 32 has remained committed to a transparent, multi-stage evaluation of our facilities.
Following the initial storm damage, five classrooms in the 1970s wing of the Perryville High School building were thoroughly inspected for air quality, safe egress, and occupancy. Based on those professional evaluations, these spaces were cleared for use while the district developed long-term facility plans. Alt School and ISS classrooms were housed on the lower level of this wing beginning the fall 2025 semester and two science classrooms moved into the second level to begin the spring 2026 term.
As previously shared, the district has been working through a complex long-term tornado recovery process that includes temporary learning spaces, ongoing campus renovations, and planning for the future rebuilding of the high school. Our strategy included light renovations to all three floors of the 1970s wing this summer that would allow us to relocate more classrooms into this area to begin the 2026-27 school year. This plan aimed to thoughtfully use existing campus facilities during the broader rebuilding effort and decommission of the rented Learning Expo.
Part of the summer renovation plan included relocating the Family and Consumer Science (FACS) classroom from the Learning Expo into the lower level of the 1970s wing. Because the FACS classroom requires specialized ventilation and kitchen infrastructure, we engaged structural engineers to plan the necessary ductwork and exterior openings. It was during this detailed engineering review — a much deeper analysis than the initial post-storm occupancy check — that structural concerns were identified.
Out of an abundance of caution, the district immediately relocated the five classrooms from the 1970s wing to other spaces on campus. This area has been secured and will remain unoccupied while further testing and engineering analysis continue.
We want our community to know that the district has used the most comprehensive information available at every stage of this process. As our renovation planning uncovered new data, we responded quickly to ensure the continued safety of our students and staff — our highest priority.
While this might feel like a setback in our recovery efforts, we are grateful these concerns were brought to our attention now. Engineers have been on campus all week to provide us guidance on the feasibility of repairing the building and whether it can be part of our long-term plan.
We are proud of our team’s proactive approach and thankful for the Board of Education’s commitment to seeking the best long-term solution for our district. We will continue to keep our families and staff informed as additional information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Dr. Fara Jones
Superintendent
Perry County School District 32