Lake Park, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — Harris Lake Park Superintendent Mike Thompson says the environmental specialist called to evaluate the closed elementary school has determined it is safe to enter. There were concerns about chemicals in the boiler system being released into the structure during a malfunction Friday that resulted in flooding and also steam and the resulting condensation being released into classrooms.

While staff are trying to obtain salvageable items, the public and students are currently NOT being allowed access. Elementary students will be taken to the building by school officials later this week to gather their belongings and should bring backpacks with them to school.

Lunch service will be provided to all students beginning Monday the 12th, but the rest of this week all students should bring sack lunches.

Parents dropping off or picking up their 1st through 5th graders should use the entrance by the baseball field and use the North parking lot of the Middle School. 6th through 12th grade drop off and pickup will use the South door and parking lot.

Finally: all bus routes and times remain the same. There will be a shuttle from the closed building to the Middle School and Presbyterian church at 8:05 but students will not be allowed inside.