Blue Mound, IL (WAND) – The Meridian School Board discussed Monday next steps for Meridian Elementary School after the school suffered significant damage in last week’s storms.

The district superintendent told the school board Monday evening that the building will not open in August for the beginning of the school year.

Extreme winds seriously damaged the building and ripped off part of the roof, while rain then left water damage in several classrooms.

“Every single major system in the building has been affected by water. From the ground, you couldn’t really see the extent of the wind damage that had occurred, but when you got inside and saw how much water actually was inside the building. Almost the entire rubber membrane that keeps water out had been blown off,” said Meridian School District Superintendent Shane Gordon.

Gordon said there was a walk-through Monday to assess damage with an insurance company.

He also thanked the community for their help in the cleanup effort.