Extended Closures at Markham & Gray
Dear Markham and Gray families,
As you know, your schools did not reopen today due to extensive damage from last week’s extreme weather. I write this evening to share disappointing news.
It may be mid-February before your students are able to return to classes in their buildings.
Unlike other schools, burst pipes and flooding were not isolated to one or two rooms in your buildings. Water damaged plaster and drywall throughout your buildings, and disrupted asbestos when ceiling pipes burst. We are competing for professionals not only to repair, but to test and abate as well, and we cannot reopen these buildings until it is safe for everyone in our community.
This is clearly an unmanageable time to be away from learning. Your school teams were already planning for a week of closures but learned this news earlier today. We are all now adjusting to plan not only for this week but for the longer closure. Central office teams are working with your school leaders to consider other locations, make alternative plans for feeding students, rearrange transportation, and meet your internet and technology needs.
We do not have a complete plan to share with you this evening but promise to do so as soon as we possibly can. We are keenly aware how disruptive this news will be to your lives and we are committed to minimizing the impact and ensuring students can continue to learn.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jon Franco
Chief of Schools
