DOTHAN, Ala. – After enduring significant damage from an EF1 tornado that tore through the heart of Dothan’s downtown area, Dothan Preparatory Academy is one step closer to welcoming back its students and staff. The powerful storm left the school’s roof severely damaged and caused other structural issues, leaving five students injured. However, the school’s administration has been working tirelessly to restore the building and ensure a safe return for the school community.
According to Dr. Coe, the superintendent of Dothan City Schools (DCS), the school is on track to reopen next Wednesday, providing much-needed relief to both students and faculty. “Our projections now are that we’ll be able to have our students return on Wednesday of next week,” Dr. Coe confirmed.
Since the tornado passed, the DCS system has mobilized a team of workers to repair the damages. In addition to the roof repairs, efforts are underway to fix a malfunctioning air conditioning unit and address other urgent needs in the school. However, not all areas of the school will be ready for immediate use. The girls’ gymnasium and the library media center will remain closed until further notice as reconstruction continues.
In response to the emotional toll the storm has taken on the school community, Dothan City Schools has begun offering mental health services to students and staff. Dr. Coe emphasized the importance of addressing the emotional aftermath of the disaster. “We need to be cognizant of the emotions and the things that everybody may be experiencing as they re-enter that building,” he said. “We are aware of that, and we will be taking measures to gradually get back to normal.”
The storm, which struck on the first day back from spring break, has disrupted more than just the physical environment of the school. Dr. Coe revealed that he would meet with Alabama’s State Superintendent, Dr. Eric Mackey, to discuss the recovery plan and how to make up for the instructional time lost during the rebuild.
Another looming challenge is the upcoming standardized testing, which is scheduled to be completed by April 25th. As the school works to finalize repairs, adjustments to the school schedule will be necessary to ensure students have sufficient time to complete the required tests.
The full cost of the storm damage remains undetermined, but Dr. Coe expressed deep gratitude to the students and faculty for their resilience in the face of the unexpected disaster. Despite the challenges, the school community has shown remarkable strength, and efforts to restore normalcy are already underway.
As the recovery process continues, the focus remains on ensuring that students and staff return to a safe and supportive environment, both physically and emotionally, as the school rebuilds from the storm’s impact.
