The Rio Dell School District is still assessing damage sustained during the Dec. 20 earthquake and Jan. 1 aftershock and plans to update families Friday on whether school will resume Jan. 9.

The district — which includes Eagle Prairie Elementary and Monument Middle School — has been out of session since Dec. 19. It has hired contractors and engineers to assess damage and ensure the safety of the buildings, with classrooms having been given the "all clear." The gymnasium, however, is still in need of further inspection following the magnitude-5.4 aftershock that caused widespread damage throughout the city.

"The earthquakes have had a significant impact on RDSD families and staff, with at least 15 families losing their homes or experiencing home damage and eight staff/board members affected," a press release states. "Transportation assistance is also being sought for students who may need to relocate out of district and do not have reliable transportation."

The district will issue another press release Friday regarding whether classes will resume Monday and Superintendent Angela Johnson asked anyone with questions or seeking more information to call the district at (707) 764-5694.

See the full press release copied below:

Rio Dell School District Updates the Community Following Earthquakes

RIO DELL, CA - Rio Dell School District (RDSD), a TK-8 district with 338 students in two schools - Eagle Prairie Elementary and Monument Middle School - was heavily impacted by earthquakes on December 20th and January 1st. As a result, schools were closed on December 20th, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd due to the damages sustained.

Following the earthquakes, RDSD has hired contractors and structural engineers to assess the damages and ensure the safety of the buildings. While the classroom buildings have received the “all clear,” the gymnasium is still in need of further inspection following the Jan. 1st earthquake. Additional inspectors are expected to assess the buildings and ensure they are safe for occupancy. Superintendent Angela Johnson stated that a follow up release will be issued on Friday with word on classrooms being open for a Jan. 9th start.

The earthquakes have had a significant impact on RDSD families and staff, with at least 15 families losing their homes or experiencing home damage and 8 staff/board members affected. Transportation assistance is also being sought for students who may need to relocate out of district and do not have reliable transportation.

RDSD thanks the community for its patience and understanding during this challenging time. The district will continue to keep the community updated on the situation and any further developments.

For more information, please contact Superintendent, Angela Johnson at the Rio Dell School District at (707) 764-5694.