The Milford community has rallied in support of the students and staff at Lulu M. Ross Elementary School after a devastating fire that left a large portion of the school destroyed. Milford School District announced that Ross will be closed to students and staff this week as they determine what the next steps are. Mispillion Elementary, which shares a campus with Ross, was closed today so repairs could be made to internet and fiber optic lines.
“Beyond grateful for the first responders. And grateful this didn’t happen on a day with students,” Kate Owens said. “All we can do is rebuild. Again, thank you to everyone that responded to this and your dedicated service.”
Charlene Kindall Jackson commented on how upsetting the fire must be to students and staff while Earl Howard called the damage a “tragedy in many ways.” Many commented on how grateful they were that the fire occurred at a time when the building was empty.
“The outreach and response from our community has been incredible,” Superintendent Travis Moorman said. “We thank everyone who continues to reach out looking for ways to contribute to the needs of our school community in the aftermath of this tragedy. Please know that these decisions are not made lightly, and we understand the impact they have on our stakeholders.”
The fire began around 4 AM on Sunday and took several fire companies to extinguish. There was significant damage to a large portion of the main lobby, library, front offices and several classrooms in both the main hallways and the center of the school. According to the Delaware State Fire Marshall’s Office, the fire broke out in the Kent wing of the school.
“The cause of the fire has not been determined, but the state Fire Marshall’s office is currently on site assessing the situation and will provide updates as they make this determination,” Public Information Officer Trish Gerken said. “Our district crisis team will be meeting this morning to begin planning our short-term and long-term responses, including what teaching and learning will look like for the staff and students at Ross.”
Lulu M. Ross Elementary School opened in 1957 and serves approximately 675 students in grades one through five. The school was named in 1956 for Lulu M. Ross, a dedicated first grade teacher who taught in Milford for 52 years. Among her former students was the late Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner. A groundbreaking for the school was held November 18, 1956. The cornerstone for the school was laid December 15, 1957.
The school originally opened in 1957 with 12 classrooms, but by1958, enrollment had grown to the point the district held a referendum to build additional classrooms. A referendum to construct the classrooms as well as to expand Lakeview Elementary School was initially denied by voters by a vote of 487 to 327. This led the district to consider half-day double sessions. However, it appears the district was able to construct the new classrooms eventually.
One interesting story about Ross has to do with what is still their mascot which is a cat. The Ross Cats developed after Louis, a tomcat, adopted the school in 1957. Louis, who could not be named Lulu as he was male, came to school every day and remained there until school was dismissed.
“He never misses a cafeteria service and may be adopted as the school mascot,” an article in the News Journal on November 25, 1957, read. “He wanders into recitation rooms, but that doesn’t bother teachers or educators, they’re always delighted to have him. And Louis knows where all the school facilities are and uses them. Recently, he developed a cold in his eyes. He went directly to the medical room and sneezed to attract attention. He received medication.”
The article commented that Louis may actually have boosted human attendance as students wanted to go to school for the chance to pet him.
The investigation into the fire is ongoing. As details emerge, Milford Live will provide updates as well as details on student learning. In addition, Ross is a polling place for elections. Once the Department of Elections has determined where the new polling place will be, that information will be provided.
