COLERAIN TOWNSHIP - The fire that damaged a classroom at Ann Weigel Elementary School in Groesbeck was arson, fire officials said Sunday night.
The damage was estimated at $60,000, including $10,000 to classroom supplies, Colerain Fire Capt. Frank Cook said. The fire did not spread to adjacent classrooms.
The school was scheduled to be open this morning, with only slight changes. The room, science teacher Michelle Davis' fifth-grade homeroom, will be closed, and students are expected to be assigned elsewhere.
Workers from the cleaning company Servpro continued Sunday to sift through debris and clean what is salvageable.
Capt. Cook said students attending school today should not be affected by Friday night's fire - even those with respiratory ailments.
''They've aired it out and will continue to ventilate, so I don't think it should be a problem.''
Police have not identified a suspect. The blaze was added to a growing list of school fires since June, including at North College Hill High School, Winton Montessori School in Winton Place and Oakdale Elementary in the Oak Hills district.
Previous stories
FIRE TESTS SCHOOL'S METTLE August 24, 1997
WEIGEL SCHOOL FIRE 'SUSPICIOUS' August 23, 1997
