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One year after the closure of Coal City Intermediate School due to structural problems, repairs are progressing and school officials expect fourth and fifth grade students to return for the 2026–2027 academic year.
The building was closed on October 30, 2024, following an inspection that found damage in two of three roof trusses above the north gymnasium. The inspection had been prompted by a horizontal crack across the north wall. After consulting with architects, structural engineers, and the Grundy/Kendall Regional Office of Education, district leaders decided it was safest to vacate the building while determining how to address the issue. During this period, affected classes were relocated to the elementary school.
Following further review and community input, the Board of Education for Coal City Community Unit School District #1 approved repairs that include replacing the roof and renovating both the gymnasium and adjacent spaces.
Visible progress includes removal of both the roof and part of the north wall. Asbestos abatement was completed before these steps. Over summer, initial work began on a new fire alarm system. The wood floor, bleachers, and stage were also removed; however, some pieces were kept for historical purposes with plans for future use.
Superintendent Chris Spencer noted that workers found programs from past events—such as basketball tournaments, music concerts, and a graduation ceremony from the 1960s—while dismantling old bleachers. The building has served various educational roles since its construction in 1916: first as a high school, then as a middle school beginning in the 1970s. Before its closure last fall, it was widely used by community groups.
Renovations will create an updated multi-use space within about 8,300 square feet. The band/music room will move into what was previously the stage area; its former location on the second floor will be abandoned. Restrooms and locker rooms next to this area will remain unchanged.
Preparation for installing a new flat roof with slight pitch included dismantling a chimney brick-by-brick—a process taking just over one week. According to contractor Performance Services, work is ahead of schedule with steel delivery expected in early November; this could allow crews to get underroof before winter weather arrives.
Repair costs total $4.9 million and are funded through bonds issued by board approval in 2023; an insurance claim provided $130,000 toward immediate stabilization after closure last year.
Spencer attributed damage to a storm system that hit Coal City in July 2024.
“The school district is grateful for the support and understanding of the community during the past year, and in the months ahead,” said Superintendent Chris Spencer. “Performance Services has indicated repairs and renovations will be substantially complete by July 2026, providing the district time to reoccupate the space in time to welcome students and staff back for the first day of school in August 2026.”
“As we look forward to the re-opening of our district’s oldest academic center, we continue to investigate the long-term viability of not only the Intermediate School, but the Elementary School as well, and the future of what could be a new second to fifth grade attendance center,” Spencer added.
