April 14 Update: Ferrucci Junior High School Closure Extension and Instructional Plan

As previously communicated, there is no school Monday through Wednesday of this week. We now need to extend that closure through Thursday and Friday as well. The district will submit an emergency waiver request to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for these additional closure days and will share updates as they become available.

Following the completion of the fire investigation, it has been determined that full personal protective equipment (PPE) is required to safely access the building. As a result, PSD staff and restoration crews have not yet been able to enter, and we are still awaiting air quality results. Further assessment has also identified the need for a comprehensive post-incident environmental study. This testing will help determine whether any surface contamination or air quality concerns exist beyond the immediate area of the fire and ensure appropriate remediation can take place.

What we do know is that the new addition has been significantly compromised, along with all classrooms on the main floor. Due to the volume of smoke in the commons and extensive fire and water damage throughout the building, we are unable to safely contain impacted areas and reopen any portion of the school. In addition, we must secure proper permitting before re-entry is allowed for staff or students.

Due to the scope of restoration and cleanup needed, the building will not be usable for the remainder of this week and for the following two weeks.

Instructional Plan (April 20 - May 1):

Over the past several days, school and district leadership have been actively evaluating a range of options and scenarios to safely resume instruction. Based on what is currently feasible, we have identified a temporary plan that allows for some in-person learning while other students transition to remote learning.

While remote learning is not ideal, we are committed to maintaining learning continuity while prioritizing student safety. Our temporary plan includes:

• 7th and 8th grade students: Remote learning
• 9th grade students: In-person learning at Emerald Ridge High School and Glacier View Junior High School campuses.

Student schedules, 9^th grade transportation, and additional details are being finalized and will be shared no later than Thursday, April 16.

Virtual Informational Session April 16

To provide more information and answer questions, we invite you to join a virtual informational session on Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

To help us prepare and ensure we are addressing the most important topics, we encourage you to submit questions in advance using this form. 

If you are unable to attend, the meeting will be recorded and made available on the district website.

We understand this situation is challenging for students and families, and we appreciate your patience and partnership as we work through next steps. Our focus remains on safety and providing the best possible learning experience under the circumstances.