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Mesa elementary school closed after microburst damages roof

A school in Mesa that has been closed for roof repairs will stay that way for longer than anticipated.

Mesa Public Schools say the roof of Zaharis Elementary was so damaged by a microburst last week that students could not return to class until it was fixed. The campus was expected to reopen Tuesday, but officials on Monday said staff and students will have to wait an additional day.

"We’ve worked to create a safe environment for our students to return to campus. Repairs will be ongoing but will not impede learning. We are grateful for the support of the Zaharis community for their understanding and willingness to help and are looking forward to seeing our students on Wednesday," Jen Snyder, director of communications and engagement, said in an email on Monday.

District officials said Zaharis teachers assigned kids at-home learning projects while the campus is closed.

Matthew Casey has won Edward R. Murrow awards for hard news and sports reporting since he joined KJZZ as a senior field correspondent in 2015.