Grand Rapids — Grand Rapids Montessori Elementary will start the school year a few days late due to construction delays and reports of staff members experiencing mild respiratory illness after being in the building.
The elementary won’t open until Monday, Aug. 28 at the earliest, according to a recent statement from Grand Rapids Public Schools.
The delay is due in part to construction delays and supply issues arising from an extensive renovation project to add air conditioning and an upgraded hearing system to the building, at 159 College Ave. NE, Grand Rapids.
Safety was also a factor in the decision to postpone the first day, according to GRPS.
After receiving multiple reports of respiratory issues among personnel, the school district opted to close off the building pending air tests.
GRPS Superintendent Leadriane Roby said the hope was to keep the school on track to open with the rest of the district.
“Our team pushed really hard to keep the first day of school on schedule. We’ve made significant progress and are confident the building would have been ready in time for the start of school,” Roby said in the district’s statement.
The delay applies only to the elementary school; GR Montessori Middle High School, and the rest of GRPS, started the year as planned on Aug. 22.
The school district stated that families will continue to receive updates as they become available.
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