Somerville Schools To Remain Closed Due To Threat Of Roof Collapse
SOMERVILLE (CBS) - Students in Somerville won't return to class until after February break due to the threat of roof collapse on school buildings.
Mayor Joe Curtatone announced Wednesday morning that the potential for roof collapse is too great to send kids to school for the rest of the week.
"Will that risk result in an actual collapse or compromise the safety of any roof? We cannot guarantee it. But it's a risk we will not take," Curtatone said.
The district has February vacation starting Monday, meaning students will be out of the classroom for about two weeks.
The capacity for most flat roofs in the city is 18 inches according to school administrators. Most roofs in the district have drifts well over two feet.
"We understand the past couple weeks have been incredibly inconvenient and frustrating. It's been difficult for us too. Rest assured the public's health and safety for our school children and staff is at the center of everything we do," Curtatone said.
The mayor is also requesting parents download applications from the school website to help their students study for upcoming standardized tests.
Additionally, administrators have to answer the question every district is grappling with - how will students make up these lost days of learning?
In Somerville they're considering dissolving April break and/or going to school on Saturdays.
In Boston students are forced to walk through narrow streets because the snow is blocking most sidewalks.
"It's pretty bad still slippery especially for kids," Lily Tu, a South Boston parent said.
Tu said the school grounds look are well maintained, but the commute to and from is difficult and at times dangerous.