Glenfield closes two classrooms due to damaged attic timbers

By ERIN ROLL
roll@montclairlocal.news

Two classrooms at Glenfield Middle School are now closed after a building inspection found damaged roof trusses in the attic area over the classrooms.

Glenfield Principal Cheryl Hopper sent a letter to parents Tuesday evening explaining that during an evaluation at Glenfield on Dec. 3, inspectors discovered two large timber roof trusses in the south attic area with cracks and splits. The building dates back to about 1896.

"Therefore, as a precautionary measure, we will temporarily close rooms 336 and 337 until we are able to assess the condition of the trusses, and determine a plan for providing an adequate repair schedule,"Hopper wrote the email.

Hopper said the school would release additional information by Friday.

The district and its architectural firm, Parette Somjen, are carrying out an inspection of all buildings in the district to find and fix any structural deficiencies. The inspection was prompted in part by a Sept. 7 stairwell collapse at Montclair High School. All four staircases in the original section of the high school will have to be replaced following asbestos removal scheduled for May. Trailers have been installed as temporary classrooms.

As of Thursday, Superintendent Kendra Johnson said the inspection had been completed at two school buildings: Glenfield and Northeast.