Poland Community School will remain closed Wednesday for a third consecutive day as crews continue working to address significant water damage caused by an issue that began over the weekend, school officials said Tuesday night.According to a message sent to the RSU 16 community, the problem originated in a second-floor custodial closet. While some water pooled on the second floor, the most extensive damage occurred on the first floor beneath it, where water spread between levels and affected ceilings, walls, flooring and classroom materials.Since early Monday, multiple professionals have been working to assess and respond to the damage. The school’s elevator system was also impacted after water entered the elevator pit.”The building is still an active work zone, and the drying and repair process simply cannot be rushed if we are to ensure a safe environment,” Superintendent Amy Hediger said in the update.Work continued Tuesday, with crews drying the building and removing damaged materials. Staff also began documenting affected classrooms and relocating materials as part of the recovery process.School officials said they are receiving guidance from local authorities, including Fire Chief Tom Printup and the town’s electrical inspector, as they determine when it will be safe to reopen.Although administrators had hoped to resume classes sooner, officials said more time is needed.On Wednesday, school administrators are expected to meet with staff and later share next steps for the remainder of the week, including plans for alternative learning.
Poland Community School will remain closed Wednesday for a third consecutive day as crews continue working to address significant water damage caused by an issue that began over the weekend, school officials said Tuesday night.
According to a message sent to the RSU 16 community, the problem originated in a second-floor custodial closet. While some water pooled on the second floor, the most extensive damage occurred on the first floor beneath it, where water spread between levels and affected ceilings, walls, flooring and classroom materials.
Since early Monday, multiple professionals have been working to assess and respond to the damage. The school’s elevator system was also impacted after water entered the elevator pit.
“The building is still an active work zone, and the drying and repair process simply cannot be rushed if we are to ensure a safe environment,” Superintendent Amy Hediger said in the update.
Work continued Tuesday, with crews drying the building and removing damaged materials. Staff also began documenting affected classrooms and relocating materials as part of the recovery process.
School officials said they are receiving guidance from local authorities, including Fire Chief Tom Printup and the town’s electrical inspector, as they determine when it will be safe to reopen.
Although administrators had hoped to resume classes sooner, officials said more time is needed.
On Wednesday, school administrators are expected to meet with staff and later share next steps for the remainder of the week, including plans for alternative learning.