Central Middle School To Reopen Feb. 22: Greenwich Public Schools

GREENWICH, CT — Following winter recess, Central Middle School will reopen to students and staff on Tuesday, Feb. 22, according to an announcement from Greenwich Public Schools.

On Feb. 4, town inspectors made the decision to close the school, which was built in 1958, due to structural safety concerns.

A recent systems evaluation by Diversified Technology Consultants said the taller masonry walls in the school have "insufficient lateral bracing for wind and seismic loads. This results in bowing and displacement of the masonry walls and adjoining facades. Wall ties that connect façades to masonry walls are beyond service life and failing."

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Toni Jones emailed a letter to parents and staff on Friday to update them on the situation.

"After a thorough inspection over the past few days, the Town of Greenwich Division of Building Inspection, the engineers at Diversified Technology Consultants (DTC), and Greenwich Public Schools facilities department have worked together this week to allow Central Middle School to safely reopen on Tuesday when your children and our staff return from Winter Recess," Jones said in her email. "This incredible collaboration between all of these parties is an amazing showcase of true teamwork to put students first."

While the school was closed, students were scattered to other buildings around the district. Sixth grade students went to Cos Cob School, seventh grade went to Eastern Middle School and eighth grade students went to Greenwich High School. Temporary learning spaces at host schools included classrooms, cafeterias, gymnasiums and auditoriums.

Netting and scaffolding have been set up around the exterior of CMS. Jones said the scaffolding is a safety precaution in order to protect parts of the outside of the building from coming loose and falling on the ground below.

Photos of the building, along with reports, timelines and an archive of our communications can be found on a website dedicated to all things Central Middle School.

Jones said the Greenwich Board of Education will have CMS on the agenda for the Feb. 24 business meeting to consider updated options and information.

"Please know that a great deal of work has been taking place behind the scenes in preparation for a robust CMS discussion," Jones said.