News Release
Homer CCSD 33C
Goodings Grove Luther J. Schilling William E. Young William J. Butler
Hadley Middle Homer Jr. High
Contact: Charla Brautigam, Communications/Public Relations Manager
cbrautigam@homerschools.org | 708-226-7628
For Immediate Release:
Sept. 28, 2017
Restoration work begins at Ross School
Staff members volunteer to save piece of community history
Thanks to three Homer 33C staff members and two area businesses, Ross School will remain standing for generations to come.
The one-room schoolhouse, which was moved to the entrance of Homer Junior High School/Hadley Middle School 20 years ago, was on the verge of collapse.
But thanks to Filotto Roofing, Richards Building Supply Company and Homer 33C staff members Phil Ackland, Bill Kocanda and Ed Malley, the school will be saved.
Filotto Roofing donated new shingles for the school; Richards Building Supply Company donated the plywood, roof felt, roofing nails and ice & water shield; while Ackland, Kocanda and Malley donated the labor to install the new roof.
But first, before adding the weight of the plywood and new asphalt shingles to the 160-year-old school, the team of volunteers had to add additional bracing. Using an adjustable steel column and come alongs, they were able to raise the sagging roof and draw in the bowed out walls on Sept. 27.
They returned the next day to add collar ties every 6 feet to secure the walls.
Once the structural work is complete, they can begin tearing off the old roof and installing the new.
The goal is to have a new roof on by winter, giving the district time to raise funds to repair/replace the siding, windows, doors and hardwood flooring.
Needed for that phase of the project are:
- 392 square feet of Dutch Lap cedar siding
- Two 7-foot doors that are 34 inches wide (Original doors had 6 lights on top and three horizontal panels below) One door is left swing; the other door is right swing
- 40 linear feet of 1X6 cedar for door trim
- 5 14-foot pieces of 1X6 cedar for window trim
- 8 8-foot pieces of 1X4 cedar for corner trim
So far, the district has received monetary pledges from Ultimate Driving School, United Express Delivery, Gaston Bistro, Jet’s Pizza and Time 4 Sweets.
Several Homer 33C parents have also donated using the district’s EZ School Pay online system.
Crockett Construction has agreed to donate the labor to install the new siding and doors. Will-Cook Ace Hardware has agreed to donate the paint to complete the project.
If you would like to join the effort to Save Ross School, please contact Homer 33C Communications/Public Relations Manager Charla Brautigam at 708-226-7628.
