Whiteland Elementary School closed Wednesday due to water damage

UPDATE: Clark-Pleasent School Corporation announced Wednesday afternoon that school will start Thursday. Only four-five classrooms experienced water damage in one section of the school, leaving the remainder of the school in good condition.

WHITELAND, Ind. (WISH) — Students were supposed to return to Whiteland Elementary School for the start of a new school year on Wednesday, but water damage has put a damper on those plans.

“Overnight rain, along with ongoing roof repair, has led to water damage in several classrooms at Whiteland Elementary. Therefore, classes are canceled for the day,” Rick Hightower, communications director for Clark-Pleasant School Corporation, said.

All other Clark-Pleasant Schools will open Wednesday for the start of the 2023-24 academic year.

In an email to News 8, Hightower said he’s “hopeful” Whiteland Elementary will reopen Thursday but will know more later in the day.

The school district did not say when it expects the school to be open to students.

Parents with students at Whiteland Elementary School or Clark-Pleasant Schools can prepare for a new school year by checking out the district’s back-to-school information page.

  • Water damage in a classroom at Whiteland Elementary School. The school is closed Wednedsay, July 26, 2023, Clark-Pleasant School Corporation says. (Provided Photo/Rick Hightower/Clark-Pleasant Schools)
  • Water damage in a classroom at Whiteland Elementary School. The school is closed Wednedsay, July 26, 2023, Clark-Pleasant School Corporation says. (Provided Photo/Rick Hightower/Clark-Pleasant Schools)
  • Water damage in a classroom at Whiteland Elementary School. The school is closed Wednedsay, July 26, 2023, Clark-Pleasant School Corporation says. (Provided Photo/Rick Hightower/Clark-Pleasant Schools)
  • Water damage in a classroom at Whiteland Elementary School. The school is closed Wednedsay, July 26, 2023, Clark-Pleasant School Corporation says. (Provided Photo/Rick Hightower/Clark-Pleasant Schools)
  • Water damage in a classroom at Whiteland Elementary School. The school is closed Wednedsay, July 26, 2023, Clark-Pleasant School Corporation says. (Provided Photo/Rick Hightower/Clark-Pleasant Schools)
  • Water damage in a classroom at Whiteland Elementary School. The school is closed Wednedsay, July 26, 2023, Clark-Pleasant School Corporation says. (Provided Photo/Rick Hightower/Clark-Pleasant Schools)
  • Water damage is visible in a classroom at Whiteland Elementary School on July 26, 2023. Whiteland Elementary is closed due to water damage to several classrooms. (Provided Photo/Rick Hightower/Clark-Pleasant Schools)