Repairs Begin on NHS Auditorium Ceiling After Partial Collapse

Completion Expected in January 2019

Just as the 2018-2019 school year was about to begin this past September, the NHS auditorium experienced a partial collapse. Therefore, NHS began the year without use of the auditorium.

All Nutley teachers and staff reported to work on Tuesday, September 4 for an opening day meeting and to prepare for students’ arrival the following day.

Dr. Julie Glazer, Superintendent of the Nutley Public School district, had planned to host her opening day meeting and remarks in the NHS auditorium on September 4. Early that morning, it was reported that there was a partial ceiling collapse and the meeting was moved to the John H. Walker Middle School auditorium. “Breakfast was scheduled for 7:30 until 8:30 AM in the NHS cafeteria, sponsored by the Education Association of Nutley (the Teacher's Union) and was supposed to be followed at 8:30 AM by a presentation in the auditorium,” Glazer explained.  “At 7:20 AM, when we went into the auditorium to set up we found the ceiling had partially collapsed.”

That day, the Nutley Fire Department inspectors and the Township Code enforcement officer both arrived at NHS immediately, and later on closed off the auditorium. “The Fire Department inspectors and and Township Code enforcement officer were onsite immediately, and after assessing the damage closed off the auditorium,” Glazer stated. “Several years ago there was a ceiling collapse at Yantacaw School and we worked with the same architects and engineers to plan for the repairs. We notified staff, students, parents, and the community about the collapse and what was necessary to begin repairs.”

An email distributed on September 28, 2018 from Nutley Public Schools informed district staff and parents about the situation and that an asbestos abatement was necessary in order to begin repairs. The work took place over Columbus Day weekend: October 5 through October 8.

There were no concerns regarding safety at all for the students and staff to return to school. “None. As stated in the emails sent to staff students and parents, everything was ahead of schedule,” Glazer said.  “Repairs to the auditorium have now begun, and we should be able to begin using again in January 2019.”

While the auditorium will be closed for use until January 2019, the staff and students of NHS do not face any health concerns. The district has addressed the ceiling collapse, and while many wish they would have use of the auditorium sooner, the process must be followed.