Hello: This communication serves as an update regarding the remainder of the school year for the Arthur Rann Elementary School.
Over the past few months, we have been pleased to see the progress that AllRisk has made regarding remediation efforts within the Arthur Rann Elementary School. At the current time, the back half of the building will be entering the “rebuild” phase of the restoration process. Additionally, we have been able to return some student belongings, while also securing instruments to begin instrumental lessons again next week. Truth be told, after the second fire, we truly did not believe we would be this far along in the restoration, but we are pleased to see the work that has been accomplished thus far.
I have been clear along this journey that I would not adhere to timelines, because many of the obstacles were out of the district's control, and I would not overpromise and underdeliver. While there are still many questions that need to be answered, there is one timeline I would like to address with our parents/guardians, which was also shared with our Board of Education and staff today.
For the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year, Arthur Rann students and staff will remain in their current school locations. As everyone is well aware, our primary focus has always been, and will continue to be, the overall safety of our students and staff. Even though we have made substantial progress, and the Industrial Hygienist has cleared approximately half the building, there is still a lot of work that needs to be accomplished. This decision far exceeds any environmental concerns, but also takes into account psychological concerns as well. Ultimately, we do not feel that it is in anyone’s best interest to be in an environment that will continue to have visual reminders of the fire. Additionally, as the remediation and rebuild continue in the front portion of the school, we do not feel this will be a conducive environment for teaching and learning, and it is our goal to maintain the instructional integrity that we currently have established.
Therefore, we have made the final decision to remain in our current schools/locations for the remainder of the school year. We ask that you continue to partner with us to reinforce the importance of your child’s positive participation and engagement at school, especially as we enter the warmer months and the final stretch of the school year. We realize that the second half of the school year for our Arthur Rann students, families, and staff has been unconventional, but together we can maintain a positive environment regardless of your child's location.
Thank you for the continued support! #ArthurRannStrong
Sincerely,
Stephen P. Santilli
Superintendent of Schools