$15K flows in for recovery
Advertiser Staff
The University Laboratory School has received $15,965 in donations to help replace items lost in Tuesday's blaze.
The funds, donated through the University of Hawai'i Foundation, started coming in on Wednesday morning. A foundation spokesman said Altres, an employment agency, donated $10,000 yesterday. The remaining funds came from 41 donors.
The burned building housed the Lab School's orchestra, chorus, theater and athletic programs. University of Hawai'i offices were also in the structure.
The cause of the fire was still under investigation yesterday. Damage was estimated at $6 million for the building and $500,000 for its contents.
In 2001, when the school acquired charter school status, it officially changed its name to Educational Laboratory School, but it is better known as University Laboratory School.
The school is operated by the UH College of Education's Curriculum, Research and Development Group. Due to the state charter school status, however, the Department of Education has no obligation to help in reconstruction or replacing lost items.
The UH Foundation is set to meet with school officials next week to start planning fundraising drives. Contributions can be made through the UH Foundation Web site at www.uhf.hawaii .edu or by calling 956-8849.