ARMS Roof Repairs Underway. Classes Continue on Regular Schedule

School Superintendent Dr. E. Xiomara Herman (Dr. Xi) updated Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS) and Chestnut Street Academy (CSA) families on Tuesday, Sept. 2, on efforts to repair the leaking roof at the ARMS building, which also houses the CSA.

Dr. Xi reported that contractors identified and addressed the areas that contributed to the leaks identified the previous day. She reported that leaks were connected to unfinished gutter, flashing, and drainage work. They do not indicate a failure of the new roof itself. She reported that crews will continue working extended hours to complete the remaining work that protects the building from rain and interior areas will continue to be checked, and drying equipment will remain in place where needed. She noted that ARMS and CSA have continued operating on their regular schedules. School operations were not interrupted.

Read her full memo to ARMS and CSA families below.

Dr. Xi’s Memo on ARMS/CSA Roofing Project: September 2 Update

Greetings ARMS and CSA Community,

As promised, I am writing with today’s update on the ARMS roofing project. District leaders met with Vertex, our Owner’s Project Manager, and Silktown, the roofing contractor, to review the repairs made since yesterday and the work that is still underway.

What We Know

The project team identified and addressed the areas that contributed to yesterday’s water leaks.
The project team has stated that the leaks were connected to unfinished gutter, flashing, and drainage work. They do not indicate a failure of the new roof itself.

ARMS and CSA continued operating on their regular schedules today. School operations were not interrupted.

Interior areas affected by yesterday’s leaks are being monitored. Drying equipment remains in place where needed.

More rain is expected tomorrow. We will remain vigilant and monitor the building before, during, and after the rain.


What We Have Done and Are Doing

The areas linked to yesterday’s leaks have been repaired or reinforced.

Temporary waterproof coverings have been strengthened while permanent gutters, flashing, and drainage parts are installed.

More workers and equipment have been assigned to speed up the most important weatherproofing work.
Roofing crews are working extended hours to finish the remaining gutters, flashing, and drainage systems.
The classroom wing remains the priority. Work on its gutters and flashing is moving forward and is expected to be mostly complete within the next several days, weather permitting.

Project representatives are inspecting the roof each day and checking conditions before and after rain.
The District, Vertex, and Silktown are meeting regularly to review conditions, track progress, and address concerns.

Any work that could affect areas used by students or staff is being reviewed with school administrators before it begins.


What We Need to Confirm

The final completion date for the remaining gutter, flashing, and drainage work on the instructional side of the building.

Tomorrow’s expected rain will allow the project team to monitor how the reinforced areas and unfinished parts of the roof system respond.

The work schedule will continue to be reviewed and adjusted based on weather conditions and the progress made each day.


What’s Next

Crews will continue working extended hours to complete the remaining work that protects the building from rain.

The project team will continue its daily inspections and will closely monitor the building during tomorrow’s expected rainfall.

The contractor will continue adding workers and resources where needed to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible.

Interior areas will continue to be checked, and drying equipment will remain in place where needed.

Air-quality testing remains scheduled for September 7. Additional testing may be completed as needed.
School will continue on its regular schedule. Project work will be planned to reduce the impact on students, staff, and instruction.

The project team remains focused on completing the remaining work needed for the full roof and drainage systems to function as designed.

We were able to address the issues identified yesterday. However, with more rain expected tomorrow, we will remain vigilant. If any new concerns arise, we will respond promptly and keep staff and families informed.

Thank you for your continued patience and partnership as we work through this process together.

Dr. Xi
Superintendent