First Day of School Delayed to Aug. 31 for ARMS and Chestnut St. Academy

Source: Amherst Regional Public Schools

The start date for Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS) and Chestnut Street Academy has been delayed to Monday, Aug. 31, due to disruptions from the roof repair and renovation project. In addition, Oct. 13, Jan. 6, and March 12 were previously scheduled as no-school days. They have been converted to early-release days so that ARMS and Chestnut Street Academy can make up the lost instructional time while remaining aligned with the rest of the schools. With this adjustment, June 17, 2027, remains the earliest possible last day of school. See below for the revised school calendar.

School Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman (Dr. Xi) said in an Aug. 19 letter to families that the decision to delay was made to prioritize students’ safety and well-being. She said, “I understand this delay may create challenges for families and disappointment for students and staff eager to begin the new school year. Please know that we are working closely with our contractors and environmental professionals, and we will not welcome students and staff back into the building until we have the information needed to do so safely. We will continue to share updates as testing is completed and additional information becomes available.”

She summarized the events that necessitated the delay as follows:

What Happened?

• In July, asbestos not identified in the original project plans was discovered in a portion of the roof while work was underway. The district decided to have the affected area professionally abated.
• 
  During the abatement period, a rainstorm caused the roof to leak in several classrooms located beneath areas where the roof membrane had not yet been fully installed.
  
• The asbestos abatement has been completed.
  
• The building’s exhaust fans were removed because they needed to be replaced. As a result, the building has not had its normal level of air circulation.
  
• The combination of inoperable exhaust fans, current weather conditions, and repeated roof leaks led to strong odors and concerns regarding the possible development of mildew or mold and its potential impact on indoor air quality.

What is Happening Now?

• The new exhaust fans are scheduled to be brought online and fully commissioned no later than Thursday, Aug. 20.
  
• Once the exhaust fans are operating, the building atmosphere will be flushed by running the ventilation system continuously and additionally using air purifiers to restore proper air quality.
  
• Indoor air quality testing is scheduled for Monday, August 24, after the ventilation system has run for several days.
  
• The roofing contractor has assured the District that the membrane over the instructional portion of the building is in place and that the roof project is back on schedule.

What We Do Not Know at This Time?

• We will not know the indoor air quality conditions until testing has been completed and the results have been reviewed.
  
• We do not yet know whether the testing will identify any areas that require additional cleaning, remediation, or follow-up testing.
  
• We do not yet know exactly when all phases of the roof project will be completed; however, the instructional areas must be safe and ready before students and staff return.

If testing identifies any additional concerns that could affect the Aug. 31 opening, the district will communicate that information to families and staff as soon as possible.

Revised Start-of-school Plan
First day of school: Monday, Aug 31, 2026
Early Release Day: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Early Release Day: Wednesday, January 6, 2027
Early Release Day: Friday, March 12, 2027

Academic Calendar for ARMS and Chestnut St. Academy