As last week’s flooding closed Wayne County schools, many school buildings became help beacons to assist impacted families, staff and communities.
Nettle Creek Schools’ sports complexes suffered the most, according to Superintendent Emily Schaeffer. Schaeffer said water flooded the outdoor fields and track, locker rooms, dugouts, the concession stand, and bathrooms. A full facility assessment was conducted once power was restored.
“Our community and surrounding communities have been hit hard,” Schaeffer told WWN. “We are facing a very challenging and devastating time. Our primary focus right now is the safety and care of our students, staff, families and members of the community. We must take care of our people first.”
Families were directed to communicate their needs via ParentSquare or by email to assistance@nettlecreek.k12.in.us. Students were welcomed back to school Monday, Aug. 17, as they adjusted to the new normal.
Western Wayne Schools were heavily impacted, but saw its community swell with support. Following a Aug. 16 town hall meeting at Lincoln High School, administrators proceeded with school Monday, acknowledging some families may need additional support. The district offered transportation assistance for displaced families as well as private shower facilities for those without basic utilities.
Northeastern Wayne Schools Superintendent Jennifer O’Brien said they cleaned some water out of the high school, which is undergoing renovations. With some of its own faculty and staff impacted, school leaders are collecting water and blankets this week from 7:45 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Student Services Building in front of the high school. In an email, O’Brien shared their main objective is to devise a plan to combat detoured I-70 traffic on U.S. 27.
Centerville-Abington Schools did not experience significant damage, according to Board President Todd Duke. Duke said they connected families with Communities In Schools and United Way for assistance and provided a bus to transport Cambridge City residents to the temporary shelter at the First Bank Kuhlman Center, 861 Salisbury Road, Richmond. Centerville joined other Wayne County schools and resumed school regularly.
Wayne County’s universities fared a bit better. As a precaution, Earlham closed campus Aug. 13 before students arrived at the end of the week. Some buildings’ basements flooded, but parking lots and roads were accessible. New student orientation is Aug. 21, with school starting Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Ivy Tech’s Richmond and Rushville campuses were not impacted by flooding, however, faculty did work virtually on Aug. 13. as school was not in session.
IU East resumed campus operations at 6 p.m. on Aug. 13 and issued the following statement: “Campus community, we understand our community has been impacted by the floods this week. Please know that Healthy IU has resources available to help during this challenging time. If you or someone you know is in need of community resources, please visit the Healthy IU Emergency Assistance page. Please continue to stay safe.”
School-adjacent programs continued to offer support. Following RCS’s schedule, Girls Inc. of Wayne County remained closed not only to ensure the safety of its student members, but many of its impacted faculty and staff. CEO/Executive Director Tai Muldoon also reported that their facility did not endure any damage. The nonprofit’s Richmond headquarters closed for repairs from storm damage in March.
With only minor repairs needed to its Richmond sites, Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County opened its Jeffers Unit, 1717 S. L St., Richmond, on Aug. 14. Current and new members attended free of charge. All other units were closed. CEO Jon York said they would assess the Pershing and Hagerstown units.
Richmond’s YMCA, 1215 S. J St., closed its Cambridge City day care due to no electricity, according to Executive Director Misty Hollis. The Richmond campus was open on Aug. 14, and Hollis said families in need can apply through their scholarship assistance program.
A version of this article will appear in the August 19 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
