Covert Elementary School auditorium reopens; gymnasium remains closed

The auditorium at William S. Covert Elementary School, which was closed at the beginning of the school year due to the discovery of mold, has reopened, school officials announced, but the gymnasium remains closed due to a separate problem.

At a Rockville Centre Board of Education meeting on Oct. 3, school officials announced that the gym floor buckled from water complications. Schools Superintendent Dr. William Johnson told the Herald that a “good portion” was damaged and the dilemma was “not repairable.”

The school’s insurance company inspected the floor and will replace it, he said, adding that the project is expected to be complete by early November.

The vents where air conditioning units once were installed have been sealed in both rooms, officials said. There is no air conditioning, but the rooms are clear of mold and free to use after the gym is repaired.