The administration building on South Main Street, belonging to Wilkes-Barre Area School District, is temporarily closed due to safety concerns with the front stairs. Superintendent Brian Costello mentioned that in-person meetings for registration and affidavits will be managed at the Solomon/Plains education complex.
For months, the left side of the steps has been closed because of loose stone steps that seem to have separated from the foundation. However, the right side has been open. On Tuesday evening, it was observed that the right steps were also shifting when stepped on, leading to a complete inspection on Wednesday and the closure of the entire approach due to safety reasons.
Despite the closure, staff members are still able to enter the building and work. The district has not determined how long the public will be unable to access the building. Costello mentioned that they are considering repairs or using a different entrance, but the old structure has always posed challenges for handicap access, being the former offices for the now-defunct Vulcan Iron Works across the street.
The district is currently renovating and expanding a building in Plains Township near the new high school to create a new administration headquarters, but according to Costello, this is not an immediate solution.
Costello stated that there is no set timeline for reopening public access to the building, but emphasized that all in-person meetings will be accommodated until the issue is resolved.
