Milford School District suspends instruction for 614 students after Lulu Ross fire

The Milford School District canceled all classes at Lulu M. Ross Elementary School for the week following a three-alarm fire that broke out early Sunday morning. The blaze originated in the Kent wing of the school and spread to central areas, including the front lobby, administrative offices, and library. With 614 students enrolled for the 2025-26 school year, the district faces an immediate logistical challenge in determining where and how instruction will resume after Friday, Oct. 30.

Firefighters from departments across the region were dispatched shortly after 4 a.m. Sunday when an automatic alarm triggered. Upon arrival, crews found fire coming through the roof. Initial interior attack efforts were abandoned due to deteriorating conditions, forcing a shift to exterior operations. It took approximately three hours to bring the blaze under control. No injuries were reported, as no students or staff were inside the building at the time.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire started in the Kent wing. Investigators are currently assessing the cause and have found no evidence of criminal activity to date. The fire caused extensive damage to classrooms in the Kent and New Castle hallways. The agency has not released a cost estimate for the repairs. Fire crews returned to the property on Monday morning to continue their work alongside emergency personnel.

The incident also disrupted operations at the neighboring Mispillion Elementary School. The fire damaged fiber-optic infrastructure shared by both campuses, cutting off internet and telephone service at Mispillion. District officials closed Mispillion on Monday, citing safety concerns related to the lack of communication systems. Repair crews and state agencies are working to restore service. The district has not yet announced if Mispillion will remain closed beyond Monday.

The disruption extends to local elections. The Delaware Department of Elections announced that voters in Sussex County Election District 36-01 will cast their ballots at Mispillion Elementary School on Nov. 3, instead of Lulu Ross. Mispillion is located at 311 Lovers Lane, adjacent to the damaged site. The department mailed notification letters to affected voters. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. Early voting is already in progress and continues through Nov. 1.

District leaders are coordinating with state agencies to support families and staff affected by the fire. Community organizations and other school systems in Delaware have begun offering assistance. The district's crisis response team is developing both short-term and long-term plans for the 614 students. Officials have not yet decided whether students will return to portions of the Lulu Ross building, be relocated to other facilities, or use a different arrangement.

The uncertainty regarding the return to school is a primary concern for parents. District officials have not provided a timetable for determining how much of the building can be returned to service or for the week beginning Nov. 2. The public has been asked to stay away from the Lulu Ross property while investigations continue. Additional announcements are expected as the district evaluates the structural condition of the school.

The fire investigation remains active. The district will continue to assess the building and develop a plan for resuming instruction. The closure of Lulu Ross represents a significant operational shift for the Milford School District as it manages the aftermath of the blaze.