Leonia STEM labs still closed after flood; district says insurance sign-off reached, targets September reopening

Robin Plattismore, a parent, told the board the "science wing still isn't fixed from about two years ago" and asked for an update on usable classrooms in the STEM area.

District leadership acknowledged the long delay was driven by an insurance claim process following a flood that damaged cabinetry and equipment. "We finally received the green light from the insurance and we are now just waiting for building permits from the building department," the administrator said. The district reported it briefly opened a lab for limited hands-on work when materials were temporarily relocated, but insurance-mandated demolition and remediation required additional pauses in activity.

Administration gave a project timeline: construction work is planned to finish in July with staff moving materials back in time for the school year; the district's stated target is for the STEM labs to be ready by September 2026. Board members blamed slow insurance processing for the extended closure and said they will continue to press for timely completion.

The board did not take additional formal action on this item at the meeting but committed to updating the public as permits and construction milestones advance.