Aging Schools Mean Leaky Roofs In Tewksbury

TEWKSBURY, MA -- Last week wasn't an easy one for maintenance workers at the North Street School in Tewksbury. When water froze on the roof, the ceiling sin the school started leaking. The only short-term fix, according to Superintendent Christopher Malone, was for maintenance staff to climb up on the roof and "to physically break it up and push it toward the drains on the roof."

"All of our K-4 buildings are of an age where roof leaks are not uncommon," Malone said. "Any minor water that entered the school was immediately cleaned up and additional personnel were brought on to conduct a deep clean in those areas."

On Monday, Malone said, the school district's contracted roof repair company would be at the school to assess whether any additional repairs are needed. "Ultimately this is why the school district is in such clear need of a new elementary school," Malone said.

The school district is currently working on a plan to finance construction of a new, $71.5 million, three-story building for up to 790 students in grades two, three and four at the Ryan Elementary School.

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Patch file photo.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).