2021-09-17-Middle School Update

Dear Bridgewater-Raritan School Community, 

Please accept this communication as an update on the ongoing flood remediation efforts in the Middle School. Tropical storm Ida caused a major flooding issue at the middle school, specifically on the lower level of the building.  Over the past two weeks, our district has worked to clean up the building and mitigate areas of the building that sustained major damage from the flooding. 

The main office suite, media center, auditorium, gymnasium, and several classrooms took on the most water and need the most attention. Numerous other classrooms were also affected by the flooding.  Thus far, the district has completed the following steps to prepare the building for students:  

• Fans and dehumidifiers were placed throughout the building to dry the affected areas. 
• All flooded rooms were sanitized.  
• Damaged and destroyed furniture and supplies continue to be removed from the building.  
• Carpets were removed and discarded.  
• Moisture tests were conducted, delineating areas of the building in need of remediation.  
• Air quality testing for mold was conducted.  
• New carpeting has been ordered for the school and will be installed next week.   
• Built-in cabinetry in several classrooms has been identified for removal.  

An additional week of remediation efforts will be necessary to ensure the safety of our school community. Therefore, the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School will need to be remote for one more week with a targeted opening for in-person instruction on Monday, October 4, 2021.  I understand the disappointment and challenge this presents for our middle school community. Please know that we are working to ready the building in order to welcome our students back to in-person instruction.

Sincerely, 

Robert Beers
Superintendent of Schools