Renaissance School Reopens Wednesday

From Montclair Board of Ed:

Renaissance Middle School will reopen at the normal time following several days of clean-ups and inspections. The district contracted with several environmental firms and encouraged several state and local agencies to participate in the cleanup, environmental testing and safety inspections needed to ensure that students would return to a safe school environment.

Over fifty samples were taken by two independent firms and sent to appropriate state officials cooperating with the district, including agents from the Asbestos Control and Licensing division of New Jersey Department of Labor, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Montclair Building Inspector. All agencies indicated the school was safe for students and staff.

The personal items belonging to students which were in the building during the evacuation and clean-up were placed in plastic bags and returned to the lockers. In addition, the surface of the backpacks and other items were randomly sampled by the environmental firm and found completely clear of any contaminates. Students will be able to retrieve the items in their lockers on Wednesday. Families should decide if they are comfortable using the items as retrieved, cleaning their personal items by wiping them down, or discarding the items if they are uncomfortable using them.

The district appreciates the cooperation of the community, staff, students and state and local officials in working towards a safe resolution of this disruption of the students’ school year.

Since the district used only one snow day this year, the two days the school was closed do not have to be rescheduled.