Inglenook K-8 students return to building after storm damaged school in fall 2025

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Students at Inglenook K-8 returned to their building Monday, Aug. 10, for the first time since fall 2025, when storm damage forced them to finish the school year at other campuses.

Strong winds from a storm in November tore off parts of the school’s roof, causing damage to the HVAC system, eight classrooms and the gym. Students completed the remainder of the school year at Martha Gaskins, Norwood and Hudson schools.

Michael Moore, director of operations for Birmingham City Schools, said the displacement was significant.

“Mother Nature took hold of our building in November, and it had our children displaced,” Moore said.

“We had to do painting, new floors in our computer lab and our science lab, painting throughout the building, cleanup throughout the building,” Moore told WBRC.

Inglenook K-8 also begins the school year with a new principal, Dr. Alicicà Washington, who said the building is ready for students.

“Home is home. We worked very hard to make sure everything was back in place and make certain the facility was clean and ready day 1,” Washington said. “I want to make certain that our kiddos here have the best educational experience possible in literacy, mathematics and all content areas for academic success.”

Her stated goal for the year is a measurable one, raising the school’s state report card score.

“My goal is to increase our state report card score by 10 points,” Washington said.

Washington said a plan is in place to meet that goal and that she looks forward to working with students and staff.

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