Updated: Leaks at Middle School Persist Following Costly Roof Replacement

School Superintendent Dr, E. Xiomara Herman (Dr. Xi) informed Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS) and Chestnut Street Academy (CSA) families in a Sept. 1 email that the recently replaced Middle School roof still leaks. On the first day of school, staff found water in three classrooms, several hallways, and shared spaces. Classes have been relocated as necessary. Dr.. Xi reports that both ARMS and CSA will follow their regular school schedules and that no CSA classrooms have been affected.

Dr. Xi sent a second email update on the conditions at ARMS on Tuesday (9/1) evening, and that email is reproduced below.

Leaks in classrooms, mold, poor air quality, and falling ceiling tiles were persistent problems at ARMS last year. Roof repairs began over the summer and were completed last week. The first day of school for ARMS and CSA students was delayed until Monday, Aug. 31, because of air quality concerns. Air quality testing will continue on Sept. 7. The Regional School Committee is scheduled to meet next week on Sept. 8 to discuss the condition of the roof.

Dr. Xi’s Email Update to Parents

Greetings ARMS and CSA Community,

As promised, I am writing with an update about the ARMS roof project and the water leaks caused by today’s heavy rain.

District leaders met with Vertex, the company managing the project for the District, and Silktown, the roofing contractor. We reviewed what happened, how the team responded, and what work must now be completed.

What We Know

• ARMS and CSA will continue to follow their regular school schedules.
• Based on what the project team has seen so far, holes left after the old roof safety rails were removed appear to be one of the main causes of the leaks. These areas had been covered with waterproof tape until permanent metal covers could be installed.
• The roofing contractor also reported that unfinished gutters and outside drainage systems contributed to today’s leaks. The project team is still checking the cause of each leak.
• More leaks were found throughout the day on September 1. The project team continues to check these areas.
• Some water entered through open windows. Until all gutters, drains, and outside metal work are finished, windows should remain closed during rain.
• At this time, no CSA classrooms or spaces have been affected.
• Our current priority is addressing the instructional wing so that teaching and learning can continue.
• The gym remains an active construction area. It is expected to remain closed until early October. Work is taking place on the roof above the gym, so the area must remain closed for safety.

What We Have Done and Are Doing

• District custodians responded right away. They removed the water and cleaned the affected areas.
• Silktown sealed and strengthened the areas where the old roof safety rails had been removed. They also caulked and further secured the coverings.
• Silktown will continue making repairs as needed.
• The contractor has been directed to focus its workers and equipment on the instructional wing. This includes installing gutters, closing openings, and finishing the remaining roof and metal work.
• Three metal-work crews are scheduled to be on-site tomorrow, September 2.
• About 20 roofers are also scheduled to return tomorrow. Some will work on the gym roof. Others will finish roofing and metal work on the classroom wing.
• The project team will continue checking every reported leak and making repairs as problems are found.
• School staff will relocate classes or close affected areas when needed so that instruction can continue.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• We do not yet have a confirmed date for completing all remaining gutters, roof-edge metal work, and permanent metal covers. Silktown will provide an expected completion date tomorrow morning.
• We do not yet know how the building will respond during the next heavy rain. This is why the most likely areas to leak must be addressed before Thursday.
• We do not yet know whether any affected building materials will need more repairs or replacement.
• We do not yet know whether more classrooms or spaces will need to be temporarily relocated or closed while the review and repairs continue.

What’s Next

• Silktown will provide an expected completion date for the remaining roof-edge and metal closure work tomorrow, September 2.
• More rain is expected on Thursday. The project team is focusing first on the instructional areas. While we cannot promise that there will be no additional leaks, we are working to reduce that risk. If more leaks occur, we will respond quickly and keep you informed.
• Air-quality testing remains scheduled for September 7. More testing may be completed if needed so that we can continue checking conditions inside the building.
• We will provide another update after we receive Silktown’s expected completion date and review the work completed on the instructional wing.
• We will continue to share progress, challenges, and any new concerns identified during the project.

The project team understands the concern this has caused for students, staff, and families. The team is working to find the causes of the leaks, make repairs, and complete the remaining outside roofing and metal work as safely and quickly as possible.

I want to be transparent that I share the frustration and concern our staff, families, and community may be feeling. The conditions experienced today are not what we expected. I recognize the disruption and uncertainty they have caused. As we address these conditions, clear communication and a timely response must remain central to this work. You deserve to know what happened, what is being done, and what questions remain.

We will continue sharing our progress and challenges so that we can move through this process together.

Thank you for your continued patience and partnership.

Dr. Xi
Superintendent