Spencer, IA (Northwestiowanow.com) — Students and staff at Lincoln Elementary in Spencer have a week under their belt, and you have the chance to tour the building Wednesday night.  The entire structure was closed for a year following the flood.  School officials say it was not only repaired, but the district took the opportunity to make improvements from what had already existed.  Public tours are 5 until 6:30 Wednesday evening.

The process of getting federal money is a long one.  Superintendent Terry Hemann says there have pretty much been WEEKLY meetings for a year, with the school district having to borrow millions to cover expenses. They recently did get over half a million for damage at the Middle School, and says FEMA allowed them to select an alternative use for the cash, so it will fund three new buses.

The FEMA check was 584 thousand dollars. The buses are 524, leaving about 60 grand for other, approved expenditures.
Despite the delay, Hemann is still optimistic the federal reimbursement for reconstruction at Lincoln and Johnson Elementaries will come through by the end of the calendar year.