TOWNSHIP OF WASHINGTON—Acting superintendent Jill Mortimer reports the temporary boiler at Washington Elementary School is operational, and the school will welcome students and staff members back to their building on Tuesday, Oct. 12.
The facility, at 600 School St., was damaged in Tropical Storm Ida over Labor Day weekend, just before the start of school, necessitating students’ and staffers’ relocation elsewhere in the district.
Mortimer wrote families on Oct. 8, “I would like to thank Business Administrator Keith Rosado and Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Mario Cofini for their technical expertise, persistence, and commitment to the restoration efforts. Their oversight and attention to detail made the difference between getting back quickly and having an extended delay.”
Mortimer said Palianto “has worked tirelessly to ensure her students and staff members had everything they needed in their temporary locations.”
And she recognized district principals “for the additional oversight they provided for the Washington School’s students and for welcoming them with open arms. Moreover, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the staff and students for their flexibility and adaptability. I also want to acknowledge the patience exhibited by the parents, as it enabled us to focus on our work without interruption.”
Mortimer also lauded “the extreme cooperation we had with the Township of Washington Building Department officials. They helped expedite the return process by being readily available and responsive to our needs.”
Overall, she said, “The encouragement and positive feedback we have received throughout this situation has been heartwarming. District personnel are truly appreciative of the respect that has been shown throughout the past month. The community’s unwavering support is apparent and appreciated.”