Work on Newtown Middle School Roof Starts

Work on the Newtown Middle School roof has begun as materials appeared to have arrived. Workers also were spotted on top of the roof late Saturday evening.

Superintendent of Schools Janet Robinson issued a notice Friday asking the public to stay away from the entire grounds of the middle school to allow for the work to be done.

Workers are on a tight timeline and plan to work on the roofing areas above classroom and essential spaces first, before working on the office areas.

Board of Education Chairman Bill Hart said that on Friday when he attended a project status meeting, he saw shingles being removed from the A wing, drains replaced behind D wing and crews on the C wing roof. Interior ceiling tiles also have been removed to allow for access to the drains, he said.

"So the work has begun," Hart said.

Officials said they are hopefully the work will be done on time, and have not discussed in public what the alternative might be if the project were not to finish on time.