Coal City Intermediate School reopening after repairs and renovation

After being misplaced for over a year, Coal City Intermediate School students will get to return to the building in time for the upcoming 2026-27 school year.

After being misplaced for over a year, Coal City Intermediate School students will get to return to the building in time for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. Coal City Intermediate School closed in October 2024 because of structural damage to the roof trusses, noticeable cracks along the north wall, and other issues potentially related to storm damage the building obtained over the previous summer. “This project represents the resilience and commitment of our school community,” said Superintendent Christopher Spencer.

“Throughout this process, our students, staff, families, and community remained focused on creating the best possible outcome for the students of Coal City schools. We are excited to welcome everyone back into these renewed spaces.” According to a Tuesday news release, what started as an unexpected challenge became an opportunity for the district to invest in updated, safe, and modernized spaces.

Highlights, the district said, include structural, masonry, and mechanical upgrades, a reconstructed gym with new flooring, LED lighting, and basketball hoops; a new band room on the first floor in the old staging area; acoustic ceiling clouds; updated ductwork; and energy-efficient light. Students, faculty and staff spent the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years in other parts of the district while crews worked on the repairs and renovations. The Coal City Unit 1 district worked with Performance Services on the emergency repairs and reconstruction process.