PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Workers are beginning to shore up structural weaknesses that made parts of William Tennent High School off-limits — two weeks before classes are set to begin.
Crews are installing industrial-grade posts to reinforce what engineers called "underbuilt concrete haunches" supporting the steel beams at the Warminster school.
Centennial School District Superintendent David Baugh said the weaknesses were found in a corridor that was part of an addition 10 years ago.
"What we are doing is shoring up the beams to make sure that nothing can fail," he said.
The school building was closed Friday when the weaknesses were discovered, but Baugh said
most of the building is open again now.
We are pleased to inform you that after closing much of William Tennent High School this weekend; we are mostly open for business as necessary. We fully expect to have our first day with teachers on August 27 and first day for students on September 3. https://t.co/JxDhZmeJc3
— Centennial SD (@Centennial_SD)
August 19, 2019 "We've been cleared to use both the educational wings and the older existing structures — you know, the auditorium, pool, gymnasium," he added. "So all of the school, except for this hallway."
The reinforcing work should be finished in time for the start of classes on Sept. 3. School activities this week are going on as usual.
