Pickett Schools Reopening Wed After Closing For Water Leaks

Pickett County Schools will reopen Wednesday after closing due to water damage.

Students were set to return to class Tuesday. Director of Schools Diane Elder said two pipes busted over holiday break after a winter storm brought sub-zero wind chills.

“We had a pipe burst back behind our dishwasher in the cafeteria, and when that happened, it flooded the cafeteria, prep area and dining area,” Elder said.

Elder said a pipe also busted in the high school’s boiler room causing about four inches of standing water. Elder said both repairs were completed today. Elder said the school system does not have an emergency fund, so the repairs have been submitted for insurance coverage.

“We can turn this into our insurance, but I’m not sure if it will go over the price of our deductible,” Elder said. “I don’t know if that will happen or not. We will have to wait and see until we get the bill.”

Elder said school maintenance workers will review the remaining facilities to ensure the schools are suitable for learning. Elder said crews will clean before students return.

“We have one of our custodians coming in this afternoon to make sure everything is clean,” Elder said. “We feel pretty confident that everything is ready to go. We will put some insulation around those pipes in the hope it prevents this in the future.”