CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Part of the ceiling collapsed last Tuesday at George Washington High School (GWHS) in Chicago’s East Side.
The collapse, which was likely due to severe weather, caused a beam to fall in a hallway. One school security officer was injured, but another employee said the damage could have been worse.
“I feel like this situation definitely could have escalated,” said Ariana Farias, another security officer at GWHS. “Had it been a passing period, there could have been multiple students and staff injured.”
The incident has renewed calls by community members, parents, and teachers to go beyond repairing what they say is outdated infrastructure.
“I'm angry. I'm really mad that my daughter has to go to school next year, and I have to worry about a beam falling on her head,” said parent Nelly Martinez. “They're supposed to have a safe space, but it is falling apart. It's falling apart, and it's unfair.”
Educators at the school had previously raised concerns about conditions at the school, such as asbestos, lead pipes, poor ventilation, and lack of working windows.
“Some of these bigger issues can't be addressed by just spending a little bit of money on it,” said Donald Davis, a social sciences teacher at GWHS. “We need and deserve the same facilities that exist around the City of Chicago and at other Chicago Public Schools.”
An online petition for a new high school building has gained more than 1,600 signatures.
WBBM Newsradio reached out to Chicago Public Schools, which provided the following statement:
“Improving school facilities and addressing pressing issues in our buildings is a District priority. We are committed to working with the respective school communities to determine the best course of action to address issues and make repairs. The District strives to provide timely updates to our CPS families and keep them informed about all serious incidents.”
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