Geothermal pumps fail too often, and the school department is looking into scrapping the entire system for a new one.

The $3.5 million deficit found two years ago now stands at $587,000.

Pooled testing, a mask mandate and vaccines are keeping schools open, Superintendent Peter Lancia says.

The majority of the work in the building has been completed, and staff and students will start their return Dec. 1 .