The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
New Milford High School science labs set to reopen
NEW MILFORD — More than two months since the fire broke out on the New Milford High School roof, the three classrooms that sustained the most damage from the blaze are expected to reopen by the end of the week.
Among the damages, the fire caused flooding that led to extensive damage within the building. Out of the 50 classrooms affected by the fire, New Milford Mayor Pete Bass said three science labs on the third floor were the most heavily damaged “because they were right underneath where the fire was and that’s when the water had come in.” As a result, Bass said the classrooms had extensive water and smoke damage and were sequestered off by the contractor Belfor.
When New Milford reopened on Sept. 6 for the 2022-23 school year, the three science labs were still closed. However, prior to the students’ return to school, Bass said New Milford Interim Superintendent JeanAnn Paddyfote, Assistant Superintendent Holly Hollander and New Milford High School Raymond Manka switched classrooms around so that students could take their science classes in different areas in the building. As for students who need to complete their science lab courses, Bass said the school officials worked to set up alternative courses for students.
Additionally, Bass said there are other chemistry and science labs on the third floor of the school that students and staff are using.
As of Friday, Bass said Belfor finished the drywall in the three affected science labs and planned to complete similar work over the weekend. The expectation, he said, is to have the classrooms completely done by Sept. 30.
“As of the 30th, the classrooms will be up and going,” Bass said.