St. Cloud Community Rallies Around Westwood Elementary Families After Arson Fire

(KNSI) — Officials with St. Cloud Area School District 742 say the local community is rallying around families after a fire forced the closure of Westwood Elementary.

According to Superintendent Dr. Laurie Putnam, the YMCA, Great River Children’s Museum, Boys and Girls Club, Westwood Community Church, the Initiative Foundation, and others have stepped up with childcare, meals and activities while the building remains closed.

The Y is offering free access to Westwood families all week. The Great River Children’s Museum is hosting free field trip experiences for K-through-5 students Wednesday through Friday, with transportation and meals included. The Roosevelt Boys and Girls Club is offering emergency childcare at 345 30th Avenue North in St. Cloud from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day. Food and clothing support is available at the District Administrative Offices in Waite Park, and food box distribution runs at Westwood Community Church from 11:00 a.m. to noon, Wednesday through Friday.

“Our focus continues to be on safety, stability and ensuring that students and families are supported during this time,” said Principal Derek Branton. “We are deeply grateful for the patience of our families and the incredible response from our community partners.”

Putnam says the level of care and coordination from the community has been extraordinary. “From childcare to meals to enrichment opportunities, these partnerships are making a meaningful difference for our students and families.”

The St. Cloud Fire Department responded to a blaze at the building March 31st just before 9:00 a.m. Investigators later determined the fire was intentionally set. Anyone with information is asked to contact St. Cloud police at 320-251-1200 or Tr-County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-255-1301.

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