WTOL.com - Toledo's News Leader | Lake Schools and insurance company differ on damage costs
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LAKE TOWNSHIP, OH (AP) - Crews have begun tearing out parts of Lake High School that was ruined last month by one of the strongest tornadoes to hit the state in years. Areas being cleared first include the badly damaged cafeteria and auditorium.
Officials at the insurance company and the school district are in negotiations about how much money the insurance company should pay. The insurance company says 53 percent of the building can be saved, but school officials argue that number should be around 25 percent. The school board would like the property to be razed.
Both the school board and the insurance company will meet again Tuesday.
The board has said they will turn to the state for help if they don't get the funding they feel is needed.
"Let me say this," said School Board President Tim Crugh. "At this point, we have absolutely no intent to seek help from the taxpayers to help rebuild the school."
The board hopes to have a rebuilt school open by 2012.
The storm hit June 5, the night before this year's commencement. It had winds up to 175 mph, making it Ohio's strongest tornado since 2002.
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