Amherst Regional Middle School
Health & Safety Risks from the Leaking Roof
Background
Since at least 2016 there have been potential plans to repair, replace, and remediate damage caused by the frequent leaking from the decades old roof on the Middle School at 170 Chestnut Street. These plans have been delayed due to purported budget constraints. In December 2024 it was publicly reported that a part of the ceiling fell but did not hit anyone. On March 14, 2025 the Superintendent informed parents that “a student reported that something fell from an open ceiling area that was missing a tile. The student sustained a minor injury…”.
Some Options
- On September 23, 2025 the Regional School Committee voted to approve funding that would be partially reimbursed from a state grant, if approved. The next step is for the 4 towns to vote. As of that date, no plan has been publicly shared for fixing the leaking auditorium roof, which is not covered by the existing “Amherst-Pelham Regional Middle School Roof Replacement Project“. The executive summary of that project’s building survey and report is available here. The Appendix A hazardous material report (positive for external asbestos and lead on the auditorium roof and gutters) is here. The contractor presentation is here.
- Many parents, teachers, and students want a complete solution in 2026 even if the expenses are not covered by the state grant. This is a long known problem. The school committee and Superintendent could request that the Town Manager make an order for appropriations outside the budget. This has recently been done for the high school track. Or some of the millions of dollars in surplus being saved for capital projects could be used.