Many students think they were released early on November 18 because the lights went out, but that’s not the reason. The water pumps were malfunctioning when the electricity went out, and students were released because of possible sanitation issues.

According to assistant principal Mr. Borgardt the power went out due to the lightning and thunder that was occurring near the school; teachers reported seeing lightning strike the middle of the softball field, near the auditorium.  The administration immediately got a hold of ComEd who informed the school was informed that the power would be back on “around 2 or 3 p.m.”  Then, later the school was informed that the power would be back on around 12:30 p,m.  At the time of the blackout, students who were in the hallways were sent to the nearest classroom — and later picked up and escorted to class by security.   After a while, the water pumps failed, and all the water started draining from the 4th floor; since the school wasn’t sure the water was sanitary, the students were released at 12:25 — even though the lights went back on.

According to Illinois law, students are allowed to stay open when the electricity goes out.