UPDATE: Amidst cleanup, Crossett Brook to reopen Tuesday
March 10, 2025 Crossett Brook Middle School will reopen for classes on Tuesday amidst ongoing cleanup from a significant flooding event that occurred last Thursday.
On Monday afternoon, Harwood Unified Union School District Superintendent Mike Leichliter along with school Co-Principals Jen Durren and Duane Pierson sent a communication to staff, students and families that they had gotten approval from the state fire marshal that the building was safe to reopen. (See below)
Much of the first floor of the grade 5-8 school was impacted by floodwaters overnight last Wednesday into Thursday as water from the nearby Crossett Brook breached utility equipment between the brook and the school driveway. Water made its way through underground conduit pipe into the building where it spread through seven classrooms, corridors, music rooms, the cafeteria, school office and other spaces on the first level. School officials said it did not reach the gymnasium.
Remediation contractors have been at the school since Thursday morning and will continue their work as classes resume Tuesday. Part of that effort will include running equipment to address and monitor air quality.
Some classes will be moved to use space different from their usual classrooms, the memo notes. Parents of those students were to be notified with an additional email message from the principals.
The full letter sent out Monday afternoon is below.
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Crossett Brook Families,
We are pleased to report that school will resume for Crossett Brook students and staff on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
The school district received notice from the state fire marshal at this afternoon giving approval for students to occupy the building.
As stated last week, this was an unexpected and very significant flooding incident involving multiple classrooms and building systems. Our custodial/maintenance staff as well as flood remediation contractors have been working around the clock since last Thursday and have made significant progress on the cleanup efforts.
While there is still work that will continue over the next few months, we are in a position that we can safely resume educational activities for students. Additionally, environmental equipment to ensure a safe environment is operating in impacted areas and ongoing testing will occur to ensure good air quality.
It has been necessary to relocate some classrooms as a result of the damage and restoration work that is necessary. If your child’s classroom has been impacted, you will receive a separate email later this afternoon which will provide additional information.
We appreciate your patience and understanding over the past four days. We will provide additional information in the coming weeks when necessary.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mike Leichliter, Superintendent
Duane Pierson & Jen Durren, Co-Principals
School leaders: CBMS to remain closed Monday
March 7, 2025 Editor’s note: Below is a communication from Harwood Superintendent Mike Leichliter and Crossett Brook Middle School Co-Principals Duane Pierson and Jen Durren with an update following Thursday’s flooding at the school.
Crossett Brook Families,
We are making progress on the cleanup efforts, but the building will not be safe for students and staff by Monday. We will need to close school again on Monday, March 10, 2025.
We are hopeful that we will be able to get students back to school next week, but we ask for your continued cooperation and patience, but it is important to emphasize that this was an unexpected and very significant flooding incident.
Our schools have experienced extensive flooding in the past. In fact, Mr. Pierson was the principal at Moretown during Hurricane Irene. Here are some lessons that we have learned that may be helpful to all families:
The Five S’s of School Flooding - prior to getting back to school
SAFETY
Given this is an on-going incident - building access is very limited at this point until we can determine when an appropriate window exists for staff to access the school, both for our maintenance crew and safety concerns.
All Systems must be tested - and ready to work, this includes, fire alarms, smoke/fire detectors, heat, HVAC, security, food service, internet, elevator certification, fire marshall certification, and devices, etc.
SPACES
All spaces must be dried out - monitored for moisture, remediation work to begin, which includes disposal, humidity removal, ventilation, documentation by insurance.
Determining changes needed in spaces to support learning as we go forward
Need for flexibility is paramount!
SUPPLIES
Disposal, documentation of school - classroom and personal belongings, replacement, access for teachers and students.
STUDENTS, STAFF and FAMILIES
Acknowledgement of how hard this will be. Teamwork is essential more than ever as we share spaces and materials, initial days will be applied for a waiver from the state, continuous feedback and adjustment to plans.
Some admin staff roles may be adjusted to accommodate a different workload.
How can community members help… and when will we know?
SERENITY
Accepting that there will be things that we can change and control and things we cannot - and accepting that this is the way it is.
Know that this will impact some more than others
Impacts will be significant
Patience and understanding are key
Take a break when needed
Understand that everyone wants to help
We assure you that everyone is working with the utmost urgency and understand the challenge of these circumstances. We will provide an update again on Monday.
Dr. Mike Leichliter, Superintendent
Duane Pierson & Jen Durren, Co-Principals