Virtual Learning Extended 1 More Week At Bridgewater Middle School Due To Flood Cleanup

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Continuing flood cleanup at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School has caused remote learning to be extended for one more week.

The new targeted opening for in-person instruction is now planned for Monday, Oct. 4, said Superintendent of Schools Robert Beers on Friday night.

This is a one-week delay from the initial plan for Monday, Sept. 27.

"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," said Beers.

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, according to Beers.

Since the Sept. 1 flood 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.

However, Beers said an additional week of remediation efforts are needed to ensure the safety of the school community.

"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," said Beers.

The entire school district started the year off late with the first day of school pushed back to Sept. 13 due to the flooding issues across the district.

Hamilton and Crim primary schools also sustained flood damage. Yet both schools were able to reopen to in-person learning on Sept. 14 after starting the school year off virtually.

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