George Elementary School sustained severe weather damage, but has been deemed safe by structural engineers for operations in support of its 64 staff members and 623 students. The school is the only school district building that sustained damage in the storm in the early morning of Wednesday, March 30, 2022.

The main building of George Elementary suffered minor damage. The only true destruction to the campus was the gym and outside playground equipment. Milestone Construction Company, along with multiple construction specialists, successfully repaired the roof system of the main building so students can return to in-person learning.

“It is amazing the difference in how the day started to how it appears to be closing out,” said Jared Cleveland, Springdale Public Schools superintendent.

The George Elementary cafeteria dining area was superficially damaged in the storm, but is clean and ready for staff and students tomorrow. The kitchen may take additional time for completion. As such, student meals will be prepared off site to be served in the dining area.

“George Junior High School is preparing for the elementary students to utilize gym space, if needed,” Cleveland said. “We are proud of the George schools for their leadership, creativity and partnership.”

Cleveland expressed his appreciation for the coordinated efforts of the Springdale community, district partners, city officials, school personnel and School Board members and commended district staff for their efforts to support area families and reopen George Elementary for classes.

“Today was different. It was hard. You showed grit, compassion and displayed your true character. We all will need to continue that same determination moving forward,” he said.

• Treehouse Pantry Food Bank Location

• NWA Food Bank

• Compassion NWA

• Hope Distributors Food Pantry Location

• Arkansas United Community Center

• The Jones Center Shelter

• Gaps in Service to Marshallese Task Force

• NWA Salvation Army

Command Center: (479-957-7925)

If you are interested in volunteering, you may go to the Command Center located at the Springdale Parks and Recreation Center at 1906 Cambridge Street. You may also call the Command Center at 479-957-7925 to speak with one of the volunteer coordinators.

In addition to the individual volunteers and families that donated time and money to the relief, Springdale Public Schools would like to thank the following organizations for their generous assistance in the recovery effort:

Please find below a list of resources compiled by the city of Springdale for those in need of assistance, those interested in volunteering and residential debris pickup.

• Command Center (479-957-7925): The Springdale Parks and Recreation Center (1906 Cambridge St.) is providing meals, resources and guidance for those affected by the storm.

• Compassion Center (479-717-5662): Located at 3157 W. Sunset, the Center is providing non-perishable goods, clothing and other necessary items at no cost to those who have been impacted by the storm.

• United Way (#211): Their call center provides resources and information to local non-profits, will asses needs and provide additional direction.

• First United Methodist Church/Bread of Life (479-751-4610): Is providing assistance to impacted residents. Call or email wbohn@firstchurchspringdale.org for more information.

• Arisa Health/Ozark Guidance (479-750-2020): They are providing free counseling to storm victims at their location at 2400 S. 48th Street.

• Springdale Public Library (479-750-8180): Is offering free use of computers and WiFi (Mon-Thurs, 9:00am-8:00pm; Friday-Saturday, 9:00am-6:00pm).

• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (479-249-9872): Is working to prevent homelessness and rapid re-housing for veterans and veteran families at their 1030 S. College Avenue location in Fayetteville.

• VA Homeless Program (47-443-4301 ext. 65327): Provides emergency funds to help those who are now homeless due to the storms at their location at 228 E. Sunbridge Drive in Fayetteville.

• To donate money call the Springdale Schools Central Office at ✆ (479) 750-8800

• OR visit the online Springdale Public Schools Payment Portal to donate digitally

• To donate food and health products, travel to the Treehouse Pantry at 802 West Allen Ave.

Clean up efforts are being coordinated through the Springdale Public Works Department.

If residents have debris that needs to be hauled off please contact the Public Works office at 479-756-7712 and staff will schedule a pickup.

Debris will need to be separated into separate piles of vegetative brush and general debris. Brush will need to be less than 4-feet in length. If you need volunteer assistance with debris clean up, contact Neighborhood Services Department at 479-756-7712.