School shuts down due to illness

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - A Fort Wayne school is closed for the remainder of the week due to a large number of illnesses.

School leaders for Imagine Schools on Broadway made the decision to close on Wednesday.

The decision came after teachers and staff witnessed student attendance rates drop consistently over the past few days.

As of Tuesday, the kindergarten through 5th grade school missed 28 percent of its students. Many students experienced flu symptoms including high fever, cough and sore throat.

Like most schools and businesses, Imagine had a plan in place when faced with the possibility of closing down.

School Principal, Ron DelaCuesta and teachers communicated what was going to happen with students and parents. The school also contacted with Department of Education which alerted the CDC.

While other schools in the area are experiencing a higher absentee rate than Imagine, school leaders said the decision to close was one of precaution.

"We're heading that direction and instead of waiting until we're at 30 or 40 percent of our student body out, we decided [now] is the time to act on it and get our kids home get them healthy, let's come back with a fresh start," DelaCuesta said.

Educators and staff members spent the day Wednesday disinfecting the entire school.

Students will return to school on Monday, October 26.

This announcement does not affect Imagine MASTer Academy on Wells Street.