The Hawaii State Department of Education said Monday that it will begin the planning process to reopen Keonepoko Elementary School in Hawaiian Beaches, “now that lava is no longer an immediate threat to the area.”

The DOE closed Keonepoko Elementary last October, as it was thought that the lava would cross the Puna district’s Highway 130 lifeline.

A temporary facility in the lower parking lot of Keaau High was set up for the 1,700 students and 300 employees at Keonepoko.

Residents voting at Keonepoko Elememtary in August 2014.

PF Bentley/Civil Beat

The lava flow was recently changed in threat status from “warning” to “watch,” and is no longer headed toward Pahoa.

“Many families were affected by our contingency plans to safeguard access to education and we appreciate their cooperation and understanding through all of it,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said in a statement. “We now have a ton of details to work out before making any official announcement on dates or assignments, however it is important to let families and staff know where we stand.”

 The DOE says it hopes to have details worked out by May so families can plan for the 2015-2015 school year.