Part of Marshall High School has been closed off to students, teachers and staff ever since a fire on November 17.

Marshall Public Schools’ Assistant Superintendent Dr. Terry Lorenz explained most of the damage was due to the smoke and soot getting into the HVAC and duct work, helping it spread throughout that area of the building. Students, teachers and staff can work out of the commons area in the meantime, but most classwork is being done remotely.

Dr. Lorenz says they will go up in the ceiling and spray and clean it once it is all cleaned well. He says they will then start cleaning down the walls and replacing the grid and the ceiling tile.

Dr. Lorenz says they will have a better feel for how the project is progressing closer to the Christmas break. He also said a company named Duct Works came in and is cleaning out all of the ducts. He says the company is about two-thirds of the way finished at this point. He said the district is hopeful that company will be done with its work by the end of this week.

Dr. Lorenz says the district is still hoping to return to full-time in-seat learning by January 5.

Dr. Lorenz says the administration and board will have a meeting and try to make a decision on whether early January is feasible or not.

Dr. Lorenz says all of the work being done is covered by the district’s insurance, less its deductible payment.

Photo courtesy Marshall Public Schools’ Assistant Superintendent Dr. Terry Lorenz.