WESTBOROUGH – A small electrical fire on Sept. 8 resulted in water damage in 13 classrooms on the second and third floors at Westborough High School.
Because of the damage, classes were canceled on Sept. 8 and 9. How to fix the damage and how to make up the two days lost was discussed during the School Committee meeting on Oct. 6.
Superintendent Amber Bock said that the two days could not be treated as snow days, nor as days for remote learning.
To cause the least disruption to work and vacation schedules, Bock said the two days would be made up at the end of the school year.
“It’s the least disruptive, especially for the seniors,” said Bock.
“I feel like it’s the only option,” said School Committee Chair Lisa Edinberg.
The committee approved the changes to the school calendar.
Fire damage update
Bock provided an update on the timeline being discussed with BluSky Restoration Contractors.
According to a memo provided to the committee, BluSky wants to close off the damaged portions of the second and third floors for five to six weeks “to complete the asbestos abatement, demolition and reconstruction of the classrooms and hallways.”
BluSky wants to begin the work on Nov. 18. Once students have left for the weekend, crews will pack and move all content from the affected classrooms. Abatement will begin Thanksgiving break. Construction will take place between 3 and 11 p.m. from after Thanksgiving through year’s end, with completion planned for Jan. 2, 2023.
BluSky will provide a full written schedule in late October.
Bock said a schedule needs to be worked with the staff to find alternative spaces for the affected classrooms.
“I have to give a shoutout to the high school faculty” for their ability to adjust, said Bock.
Bock added that the funds to pay for the project will come from insurance.
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