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District officials report roof leaks, emergency repairs at three Bethel Park schools
Summary
District staff told the board that several schools experienced leaks after rapid seasonal temperature changes; IMS will receive a full roof replacement and temporary roof over the gym, while repairs and air‑quality testing continue at Franklin and NAMS.
Bethel Park School District officials told the board that several schools experienced roof leaks during February’s freeze‑thaw cycle and that emergency repairs are underway, including a complete replacement of the IMS roof and temporary measures to keep affected spaces usable.
Why it matters: Multiple buildings experienced leaks severe enough to trigger emergency repairs and safety precautions. The district said the work is necessary to maintain curricular and extracurricular uses of affected facilities and to address parent concerns about visible ceiling discoloration.
What officials said: A district facilities staff member told the board the leaks increased after a quick change from cold to warm weather and that three buildings suffered “the consequences of the freeze thaw effect.” The district engaged an emergency repair team and coordinated with its warranty company and insurance broker to assess and begin repairs.
Facilities staff said work already underway includes installing safety gear and removing gravel ballast from affected roofs; gravel removal is planned to continue through the week, followed by repairs as weather permits. The staff member said, “The IMS roof is going to be completely replaced,” and the district will place a temporary tented roof over the IMS gymnasium to preserve curricular and extracurricular use.
The district also said it has begun indoor air‑quality testing at the three buildings and that the local health department inspected the sites and did not find a health hazard after reviewing district actions and remediation steps.
Logistics and disruption: District staff warned that large equipment and deliveries to school sites may cause temporary congestion, including semitrailer deliveries near Education Boulevard and constrained parking at Franklin. Officials said they attempted weekend work where possible but were limited by code requirements.
Background on visible ceiling discoloration: Roof contractors and roof‑industry inspectors identified discoloration on ceilings as adhesive from the built‑up roof system that had soaked in; the district said the inspectors did not identify the discoloration as a health hazard and that the health department concurred.
Board follow-up: Board members thanked staff for the rapid response and asked that the district continue to update families, as air‑quality test results become available and repairs progress.
