Some damaged Kelly Middle School classrooms to reopen Monday

Norwich – The lower level of a classroom wing damaged by sprinkler water in Monday’s fire at the Kelly Middle School will reopen Monday, school officials said.

The fire started at 2:26 a.m. Monday when a computer monitor in the second-floor science lab smoldered and burned. Two overhead sprinklers were triggered and sent water cascading onto the floor, into the hallway, downstairs and through ceilings.

Twelve classrooms have been closed this week.

School Business Administrator Athena Nagel said water damage was repaired in several classrooms and new ceiling tiles are expected to be installed by the end of the weekend to allow several classrooms to reopen Monday.

Nagel also said the school system’s insurance company has determined the school system’s deductible for the damage will be $5,000 – half what was originally estimated.

Fire and water damage is expected to total hundreds of thousands of dollars.

c.bessette@theday.com