One week after a fire closed a Moline school, students and staff have moved to a temporary site. Monday morning, Franklin Elementary re-opened in the former Western Illinois University building on 60th Street in Moline, overlooking John Deere Road.
After fire damaged the school on September 24th, classes were cancelled for 270 children in grades k through 5, and 20 staff, while district officials scrambled to find a new location where all could be together.
Buses will pick up Franklin students at two locations along 53rd Street in Moline - the Two Rivers YMCA and the Union Congregation Church. Sack lunches will be provided the first week for those who would normally order a hot lunch.
On Sunday, trustees of WIU considered an offer for the former 60th Street Campus, with a possible sale price of 1.4 million dollars - if the sale closes Monday, the name of the buyer and other details will probably be released.