Westminster Center School – Delay In Opening -- MesoLink.org -- 09-20-05

Due to a variety of renovation and construction problems, the Westminster Center School will be delayed in opening. The delays have been partly caused by the discovery of far more asbestos than was originally anticipated when the renovation was started. Although the asbestos was cleared some time ago, it did take longer than planned and this had a domino effect on the remainder of the work at the school, hence the final delay.

The delays experienced by the school are likely to be short, but nevertheless could prove disruptive. However, school officials state that it is important that the school is ready for students before it re-opens. One official stated: "There are still two teachers who cannot get into their classrooms. We wanted to be sure that when the kids walk in we are ready for them."

The school is going through a renovation project that takes place in two phases and is likely to cost nearly $3 million. Letters regarding the delays with opening have been sent out to the parents of the students. An official added that delays are inevitable with projects involving so much work, and that the school experienced the same sort of delays when it was last renovated in the 1950s.