Brookview Montessori School in Benton Harbor is working to find classrooms for displaced students after a structural issue was found at its building at 501 Zollar Drive during routine inspections. Director Larry Schanker tells us deterioration was found in wooden columns that hold up the roof in the part of the building that houses the Infant and Toddler Program, among others.
“This is an older part of the building,” Schanker said. “It used to be a Moose lodge, and it was built in the early 1970s, I believe. And that’s our infants and our toddlers, and what we call primary in Montessori, which is three to six year olds.”
It was recommended, although not ordered, that students be moved out of that area of the building. Schanker says some of the students, like the middle schoolers, were moved to the other side of the building, but that can’t be done with the very smallest kids due to federal rules. He says parents are being supportive and understanding, and local organizations are offering help.
“All the area churches that I called are very sympathetic and are looking into what they have. Lake Michigan College is looking into space they might have, and our friends at Whirlpool are seeing if there might be some room…on the Whirlpool campus.”
Great Lakes Montessori has also taken in about 12 students. Still, more than 50 are waiting for a solution. Schanker says while the repairs to the affected area of the building will be expensive, he’s hoping all will be resolved after winter break. He hopes it will be sooner. In the meantime, anyone with suggestions can contact the school.
