Final touches underway for return of classes to Rideau Park School

Parents of students who attend Rideau Park School have been wondering for weeks if their children would be able to return to class as planned after flood water filled the school in June.

Restoration crews have worked everyday for the last nine weeks and their efforts have resulted in the scheduling of classes beginning September 3.

The basement of the school had been filled to the ceiling with water and the entire gymnasium floor had to be replaced because floorboards were floating on river water.

While the challenges appeared insurmountable, crews have accomplished the unthinkable.

The final coat of paint is being applied to the school and chairs and desks will be transported into the building soon.

“The foundations were undermined at the front of the school,” says the Calgary Board of Education’s Frank Coppinger. “They've been completely restored, and the complete lower part of the school has been gutted, flooring replaced, repainted, and looks as good as new.”

While Rideau Park School prepares to welcome students, Elbow Park School resembles a construction site.

The school suffered extensive damage in June’s flooding. Scaffolding and wooden boards support two exterior walls to keep the building from collapsing.

The Calgary Board of Education is waiting for insurance and engineering assessments. Once the full extent of the damage has been determined, the school board will work with the province to decide the school’s future.

For the 2013 school year, Elbow Park students will attend class in a twelve classroom modular school which will be built next to Earl Grey School.

Board officials hope the modular school will be completed in time for a September 9 return to classes.

With files from CTV's Kevin Fleming