Restart of instruction at Neoga schools postponed to March 26 following tornado

NEOGA, Ill. (WAND) - Classes will not resume at Neoga schools now until March 26 following a tornado that ripped through the area.

The tornado hit Saturday, March 15, severely damaging the elementary and jr./sr. high schools.

Superintendent Kevin Haarman posted, "After a thorough evaluation by architects and engineers of both the Jr/Sr High School and Elementary School buildings, we have determined that additional measures are necessary to ensure a safe teaching and learning environment for our students and staff."

As a result, the district is making the following changes:

1.) Delaying the restart of instruction from Monday, March 24, 2025, to Wednesday, March 26, 2025

2.) High School students will now resume instruction at the Neoga Community Center - 641 W. 6th Street, Neoga, IL - which previously served as the Elementary School.

The extra school closure days will be classified as Act of God Days and will not need to be made up.

The last student attendance day remains scheduled for May 30, 2025.

During an emergency board meeting, Haarman said he mentioned that a further delay in the restart of instruction and the potential use of the Neoga Community Center were possibilities.

"We are working diligently to finalize the logistics, including arrangements for student belongings, and will provide further communication on these details soon. We appreciate your patience, support, and understanding as we navigate this challenging time together," he added.