Construction has begun to repair the roof at Brooke Central School.
In late November, engineers preparing for a summer roof project found the roof might collapse under the weight of more than 12 inches of snow.
The Lambton-Kent District School Board sent the students home and later worked out a plan which would see kindergarten to Grade 5 students attend Lambton Centennial. Students in French Immersion from K-6 headed to East Lambton Elementary and Grade 6, 7&8 students stayed at Brooke Central in a newer part of the school where the roof was deemed secure.
Teachers packed up their rooms and Lambton Centennial and East Lambton got ready for the new students.
Brian McKay, superintendent of business for the board, says that while the students settled in and then went for Christmas break, the board was working with its engineering firm to prepare a plan of attack.
McKay expected the builders would begin removing the ceilings to get at the roofing system and begin shoring up the beams.
It’s not clear how long that work will take nor when students will return to their school.
“The timeline for completion of the structural and sprinkler upgrades and return of the students currently attending East Lambton Elementary School and Lambton Centennial Public School is unknown.
“Only required structural and sprinkler upgrades for occupancy will be completed at this time, with any additional work to be completed in the summer,” wrote Director of Education, John Howitt, in a letter to the families.
He added the rest of the work on the roof will be completed in the summer.