Elizabeth Ziegler Public School in Waterloo closed 2 more weeks over concerns about building's safety

Elizabeth Ziegler Public School in Waterloo, Ont., will be closed for most of this month after safety concerns were raised about the building's facade.

The exact concerns with the facade were not released.

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) has extended the closure from March 17 to March 28. In-person learning is scheduled to resume on March 31.

The school was also closed for most of last week.

In a news release posted online, WRDSB said students and families are being asked to pick up a Chromebook or iPad at the school on Monday to help to continue learning remotely during the temporary closure.

"Teachers will teach synchronously and will be available to students during the regular school day hours on their Google Classrooms. Students are invited to participate as they are able," WRDSB said.

Decision to close made 'out of an abundance of caution'

The public school board said contractors plan to continue "conducting comprehensive structural testing" and "evaluating and determining next steps" during the closure.

Before- and after-school programs run at the school are also closed.

"The decision to close the Elizabeth Ziegler building was made out of an abundance of caution for the safety and well-being of students and staff," the board said in a statement last week.

A sign on the school's front lawn said road work is underway on Moore Avenue. In an emailed statement, the City of Waterloo told CBC News there is no link between the road work and the school closure.

The school's building was constructed in 1931 and is an example of the Gothic Revival style. A primary classroom wing was added to the school in 1954 and a gym was built in 1986. Further renovations to the kindergarten wing were made in 2013.