Tamaqua school officials say West Penn Elementary will be closed until the moisture issue is resolved.

According to a release from Stephen Toth, assistant superintendent, posted on the district’s website Thursday, the “location will be closed until professionals give information that the moisture and air quality issue is corrected.” No timeline as to when the work will be completed has been released at this time.

“Our board and admin(istration) want to provide information in way that is accurate and planned. Planning is essential with so many variables coming into play with this type of situation.

“I am sure that this ‘curveball’ has created many anxious thoughts, but please know that we are being very thorough and diligent,” the release says.

The district outlined what the beginning of the school year will look like for Tamaqua students at the two elementary schools. The start of school for all elementary students will be Tuesday. The high school and middle school are not affected by the plan and will attend school as scheduled.

West Penn Elementary faculty and staff will report to Tamaqua Elementary on Monday, and West Penn kindergarten through fourth grade students, as well as West Penn autistic support classrooms and ESL will report to Tamaqua Elementary, while West Penn fifth grade and life skills students will report to Tamaqua Area Middle School on Tuesday.

The district says that even with the addition of West Penn students, staff and faculty to both Tamaqua elementary and middle schools, both buildings will still “be under 50 percent capacity.”

Tamaqua Elementary and West Penn Elementary teachers will share instructional responsibilities of grades kindergarten through fourth grade.

All West Penn students will meet in the Tamaqua Elementary gymnasium daily before faculty take them to their respective room assignments.

All West Penn teachers will be updated on building emergency procedures and drills will take place during the first week to ensure all safety precautions.

In addition, both Tamaqua Elementary and Tamaqua Middle School will be open to parents and students from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday to familiarize themselves with the buildings.

Bus schedules for pickups will remain the same, but drop-offs at the end of the day may be slightly delayed, the release states.

“I would like to thank our all of our parents, students, staff and teachers for being both patient and accommodating during this building closure. It is our hope that this disruption is minimal in length of time,” Toth wrote.

The issue of moisture in the West Penn Elementary building was announced Wednesday.