Central Middle School Closed Until 'It's Deemed Safe': GPS

Greenwich CT

04 February, 2022

1:48 PM

Description

GREENWICH, CT — Central Middle School has closed, effective immediately, due to concerns about the safety of the building, according to an announcement from the school district. On Wednesday, the district released a systems evaluation report which stated there are "significant structural concerns" with the school, which was originally built in 1958. Superintendent of Greenwich Public Schools Dr. Toni Jones sent an email to district families and staff on Friday, alerting them about the closure. Jones said the school district's director of facilities, along with officials from the town of Greenwich division of building inspection, went on a tour of CMS Friday to review results from the report. "This morning, the Town's inspectors have made the decision to close the building until it is deemed safe for occupancy by the engineering firm who specializes in this type of structural work," Jones said in her email. "They have posted a sign on the front door of the school to alert the community that the building is closed. We understand it could be unsettling." The school district is currently in discussions with an engineering firm. Jones said she's hoping there is a short-term solution which can be quickly implemented. Jones added that the district will work through the weekend "to better understand the timing of this challenge. "Ultimately, please know that there is nothing more important than the safety of our students and staff, and GPS will work with the experts in the field with the utmost diligence," Jones said. In his weekly email to residents, First Selectman Fred Camillo addressed the closure. "It was disturbing to learn of the structural issues at Central Middle School that led to the closing of the building today. I can assure you that the Town will work closely with the Board of Education to ensure the safety of our students and teachers. I know that Dr. Toni Jones and her team are working to develop a plan to move forward," Camillo said. "As this is an evolving situation, especially during the budget review process, I will share any new information and updates as they become available," he added. "I urge everyone to remain calm and be patient as the facts become clear and a plan becomes defined as we work collaboratively to resolve the situation." This week, Jones and Board of Education Chair Kathleen Stowe went before the Board of Estimate and Taxation Budget Committee to comb over the school district's 2022-2023 proposed budget. Included in the BOE's proposed budget is $250,000 for a study to consider renovating or replacing CMS. The school district said it will release more information when it becomes available.