Superintendent reports July 3 storm response, summer projects and new electrical CTE program

Dr. Eric Alfonso, superintendent of the Belleville Public School District, told the board the district’s summer work includes curriculum revisions, administrative reorganization and multiple facilities projects that continue despite a July 3 flash storm that caused groundwater intrusion and temporary power loss at Belleville High School.

"Everybody was safe and secured in the gym," Dr. Alfonso said, praising coordination with the mayor, police, fire, OEM and custodial staff for sheltering residents during the emergency and for initial remediation efforts. He said permanent fiber-optic restoration and other repairs have been completed or are underway and that the district has submitted supporting documentation and invoices to its insurance carrier; the claim is under review.

Business administrator Ms. Icaio added that remediation partners and buildings-and-grounds staff are working to restore affected areas, and that temporary parking arrangements are in place for municipal events (impacting School 7 and the high school lots through Monday, July 13) without affecting summer programs.

Board members also heard that the district will sign an agreement with the Electrical Training Academy (agenda item 8.1) to launch a two-year career-technical education program in electrical trades. Dr. Alfonso said the program will provide juniors and seniors advanced placement toward apprenticeship hours and place graduates with local employers as they complete required training toward master electrician credentials.

The board approved curriculum item 8.1 by roll call earlier in the meeting. No implementation timetable, contract value or partner details beyond the program description were provided in the meeting discussion.