GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) — Classes will resume at Innovation Central High School and Grand Rapids Montessori Middle High School after district leaders and construction contractors assessed concerns about the structural integrity of one of the school building's walls.
Innovation Central High and Grand Rapids Montessori Middle High share a building at 421 Fountain Street NE. The building has been under construction for renovation, though a portion of the building was still being used for instruction.
Contractors working on the project raised concerns about the structural integrity of one of the auditorium walls due to potentially compromising deterioration. Because of the construction, the area had been blocked off, but new information prompted district leaders to cancel classes at the building so the matter could be investigated further and to ensure the safety of scholars and staff.
After investigating the concerns thoroughly, structural engineers concluded that the building is safe for our scholars to resume learning at the site as work to permanently repair the wail begins. Engineers stated that construction workers could safely work on stabilizing the wall so long as wind speeds are below 25 miles per hour. If wind speeds top 55 miles per hour it is recommended that the building not be in use.
District leaders consulted a meteorology expert who stated that storms with wind speeds or gusts at that level are unusual and would be well-forecast so district officials can make appropriate plans in advance.
“Safety is our top priority. We are confident that our building is safe and we look forward to welcoming our scholars back into the classroom,” Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby said. “We know this situation created a significant inconvenience for our families and we have worked around the clock to respond to this matter so our scholars could get back to normal as soon as safely possible.”
Families were invited to participate in two virtual meetings with construction contractors, structural engineers, and district leaders so that any concerns could be addressed.
Original source can be found here.
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