Walker students relocated

The explosion at J.W. Walker School shortly after midnight last Thursday happened after a break in the gas line seeped gas into the ground, which fed into the school through the water line.
Gas ignited by the school’s electrical equipment blew out the west wall of the gymnasium.

In order to continue to provide a safe learning environment for the students of J.W. Walker School, effective today (March 3), the Rainy River District School Board will relocate classes with the students’ regular teachers at the following alternate locations:
•Junior Kindergarten, Senior Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 1/2, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 4/5, Grade 5/6, and Grade 6 students will attend Robert Moore School;
•Grade 2 and Grade 2/3 students will attend Huffman School; and
•Grade 7, Grade 7/8, and Grade 8 students will attend Fort Frances High School.
Teachers contacted parents regarding the specific classroom location for each student.
Transportation for previously-bused students will remain the same, with the possible exception of a short delay in drop-off times.
The Transportation Department will contact parents of any Grades 1-6 students that previously walked to school but have become eligible for busing.
The board is hopeful with respect to J.W. Walker School, but the length of time before students return there is unknown.
The board will ensure the school is safe before returning the students to the facility.