Challenges Cause ‘Minimal Issues’ as Middle Schools Still Set to Reopen on Time

An unexpected septic tank discovered at DePaolo Middle School during construction in July and an issue with the floor boards buckling in the gym have caused some delays and added work, but despite the challenges officials said the project remains on budget and on schedule as the new school year approaches.

Edward Pocock Jr., chairman of the Middle School Building Committee, said the challenges are seen as “minimal issues” at this point and right now the schools could reopen for teachers to return on time. In fact, by Aug. 19, teachers may be able to return to their classrooms, according to School Superintendent Joseph V. Erardi Jr.

“Some people have been worried, but I was at both schools (Thursday) and efforts are moving right along,” Pocock said. “There have been some challenges, but those that need to be handled before the schools reopen have been addresses and overall, these have been such small potatoes compared to what they could have been.”

In mid-July, the district discovered an unmapped and unused septic tank at DePaolo as crews were digging to install underground infrastructure. The problem has been addressed, however, and the tank removed after no contaminants were found, costing a total of $24,432.43.

“It’s a far cry from some of the issues we saw early on,” Pocock said.

Pocock and Christopher Palmieri, member of the building committee, said the bigger issue has been the floorboards in the gymnasium at DePaolo, however. Despite repeated tests, including snaking the pipes and checking for leaks, workers with Newfield Construction have been unable to find the root cause.

The boards continue to warp and collect unknown condensation, Pocock said, but it’s also an issue that does not need to be addressed before students return.

That kind of work can be completed on weekends, he said, and more information is expected on the root cause of the problem on Aug. 20. Pocock said the issue and how to address it would be determined at that time.

Pocock warns though that while everything remains on schedule – entrances should have black top by Aug. 15 – and on budget, parents and students shouldn’t expect a beautiful new school immediately when they go back later this month.

“People knew this was going to be a work in progress,” he said. “Things and moving along great, but there will be open areas as construction continues. The important thing now is that we continue to move forward effectively and do so in a manner that is not disruptive to the students and continues to put the safety of those in our schools first.”

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