New Milford board hears detailed timeline after Ida flood that left field house contaminated and vehicles totaled

Business Administrator Dr. Stephanie Pajar told the New Milford Board of Education on Oct. 5 that Tropical Storm Ida’s flooding on Sept. 1 caused extensive damage to the district athletic complex, triggered two insurance claims and required hazardous-materials remediation in the field house.

Pajar gave a timeline of events, saying the water rose to roughly seven feet on the field and reached the back of the high‑school building. She said two claims were opened — one through the district’s joint insurer and one under the district’s flood policy — and that both remain active while staff assemble inventories and supporting documentation for each loss. "On September 2, the water is still approximately 7 feet high into the back of the high school building," she said.

The district notified insurers quickly, Pajar said, and adjusters and a restoration contractor have assessed the site. A restoration firm mobilized on Sept. 30; Pajar said work that began then was expected to continue and to be complete by Oct. 7, with the district compiling an itemized inventory of damaged equipment and materials for claims (photos, proof of ownership, age and cost). She said two vehicles — the dump truck and a bus — were ultimately deemed total losses by the insurer.

Pajar also described a hazardous-materials concern inside the field house: gasoline from vehicles and fertilizer mixed with flood contamination required crews in hazmat suits to remove material and perform remediation. "It was determined that there was hazardous material inside of the field house," she said, noting that electrical systems were shut off and that cleanup required specialized contractors and a controlled inventory process.

Board members asked whether the playing field and track were safe for events; Pajar said the field was isolated with temporary fencing and access was limited to protect athletes and spectators while the field house cleanup continued. She said the big gate remained closed and only a sideline gate provided controlled access to bleachers, and that the district had letters of clearance in places where testing had been completed.

Pajar thanked the town DPW, grounds and maintenance staff and other first responders for assistance with equipment, removal of debris from the river and coordination during the recovery. She said the district was continuing follow‑up with vehicle insurers and testing vendors and working with the restoration company and adjusters to finalize the scope and claims documentation.

The board discussed next steps and follow-up items, including track power‑washing, fence repairs, electrical work in the field house and replacement of damaged grounds equipment. Members were told the district would provide additional updates once inventories and adjuster reports were finalized.

No formal action or vote on repair contracts was taken at the Oct. 5 work session; Pajar said the district had executed a restoration-engagement agreement to determine scope and begin remediation pending final claims decisions.