Videos show moments EF3 tornado hit two Jacksboro schools; students return to class
After an EF3 tornado swept through Jacksboro, destroying dozens of homes and ripping off roofs at the city’s elementary and high schools last week, students returned to in-person instruction Tuesday.
“The district contracted with Cotton Global Restorations to oversee debris removal, demolition of unstable structures, and temporary roof replacement at the Elementary and High School campuses,” a letter to parents from Jacksboro ISD Superintendent Brad Burnett said. “Structural engineers have evaluated all the facilities impacted by the storm. Engineers will certify the structural integrity of all damaged buildings before students or staff are allowed to enter the facilities.”
High school staff were cleared to return to their campus Monday before classes on Tuesday. But the classrooms for elementary students were a little different than normal. Elementary students resumed learning at the district’s middle school and nearby churches and community centers, including First Baptist Church, Jacksboro Parish and Fort Richardson Masonic Lodge.
“The contractors need additional time to prepare the Elementary campus for a safe return to the classrooms,” the letter said.
School surveillance footage released by the district showed the roofs collapse inside the schools’ gymnasiums, and a clip where Elementary School Principal Michael Qualls ran down a hallway and barely escaped a collapsing ceiling.
The elementary school released an updated schedule with each grade level’s temporary location Monday afternoon.
The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has confirmed 16 tornadoes that touched down in its North and Central Texas service area on March 21. The Associated Press reported several tornadoes hit along the Interstate 35 corridor, particularly in the Austin suburbs of Round Rock and Elgin in addition to those close to Dallas-Fort Worth.
Gov. Greg Abbott visited Jacksboro the day after the tornado and signed a disaster declaration for 16 counties, waiving certain regulations to speed up recovery and assistance.
This story was originally published March 30, 2022 at 10:34 AM.
