Insurance Flap Delays Rebuilding of Massachusetts School

An insurance settlement dispute is delaying the rebuilding of a Roman Catholic school in Springfield, Mass., that was damaged by a tornado in June 2011.

The Republican of Springfield reports the Diocese of Springfield and its insurance company, Catholic Mutual Group, are $55 million apart in negotiations over the settlement amount involving Cathedral High School.

Consultants for the diocese estimate that it will cost about $70 million to build a new school, but the insurance company says the building can be repaired for $15 million.

The two sides are in an arbitration process that’s not expected to end until April, five months later than expected. The diocese is asking parents to remain committed to the school during the arbitration.

Students are now attending school at a temporary location in Wilbraham.