Damaged North Branch school expected to open on time
NORTH BRANCH, Minn. (AP) - The North Branch middle school building remains sealed off the day after a possible tornado hit the building.
School district spokesman Patrick Tepoorten said Thursday it could be days until officials know the extent of the damage. But he says the district is committed to starting school on time. The first scheduled day is Sept. 8.
The middle school is home base for about 1,100 students. Tepoorten says all or parts of the building may remain closed for repairs even after the school year begins.
Wednesday's storm opened up the roof on the school, leaving falling ceiling tiles and water damage inside.
North Branch is about 40 miles north of St. Paul. Power was still out in parts of town Thursday morning.
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