Markham Colocation Update, March 21

Dear Markham staff and families,

In the two weeks since our last message, district leaders have been in close conversation with the general contractor working onsite at Markham and we have this disappointing assessment to share: the Markham school building will not be ready to reopen for the start of the new school year.

We understand that this news is incredibly upsetting. We had hoped to be able to finish reconstruction of the Markham building this summer, but, given the extent of the damage and the scope of hazardous material abatement that has to be completed before repair work can begin, that is simply not feasible.

In the letter linked below as "Markham Update," our contractor lays out the main issue facing work crews, which continues to be hazardous material remediation. It’s only after abatement is finished that crews can begin to install a new plumbing system and gym floor, as well as ceiling tiles and drywall. The letter also points to a possible late fall reopening for Markham, but this estimate is preliminary and the situation is still very fluid and subject to change.

The Plan for the Rest of the School Year

While we continue to be impressed by the resilience and flexibility of the entire Markham community, we also know that this extended closure – and the splitting of your school into four different locations – has been extremely difficult for everyone. Students and educators have adjusted to new learning environments and school cultures, and many staff have spent a great deal of time traveling between the four host schools to meet student needs. Families, too, have felt the strain.

We had obviously hoped that colocating your school with four others would be of short duration. We’re also mindful of the fact that Markham students and staff have established meaningful and productive routines at Capitol Hill, Hayhurst, Maplewood, and Rieke. In the interest of stability, the majority of staff and students will remain at their assigned colocated school for the remainder of the academic year. Four classrooms will be moving into the portables to be installed at Hayhurst. You can find Dr. Brown-Warrens’ plan and rationale for those moves here. We are currently in the process of confirming delivery dates and coordinating power, Wi-Fi, and ramp access for those portable units. We should have a timeline for their installation very soon.

Family Survey and Community Meeting

We want to give you the time and space to process this news as a family and community. After Spring Break, we will be in touch with a survey about how Markham’s extended closure might impact your planning for the fall. We will also be sending out an invitation for a second community meeting during which we hope to be able to answer your questions about this timeline shift.

Any decision we make will be in collaboration with Dr. Brown-Warrens and in service of making the Markham community whole again. We wish you all a safe and restful break.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jon Franco, Chief of Schools

Dan Jung, Chief Operating Officer