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In September, the Blind Brook School District in Rye Brook was forced to temporarily close the Ridge Street Elementary School by the state Department of Education due to safety concerns during construction.
Students were initially welcomed back to the classroom as scheduled, though the state forced the building to be closed as a massive renovation project caused safety concerns, including a lack of working fire alarms.
This week, after the district scrambled to become compliant with the state, the building was once again reopened after being given the green light by officials, who inspected the school late last week and issued a temporary certificate of occupancy.
In total, 24 classrooms are now available for students, allowing them to return to in-person learning, with a special “Spirit Day” planned on Tuesday, Oct. 5 to celebrate the reopening.
"We thank you for your patience and understanding as we all work tirelessly to put these difficult times behind us and move this district forward," interim Schools Superintendent Colin Byrne wrote in a message to the community recently.
"The board and district administration, teachers, and staff acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices that all of you have made, and we will not rest until we return to the quality of in-person education for all Blind Brook students that you rightfully demand."
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