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Facilities update: district installs sensors, responds to Shincoteague leak and seeks Tangier water-line repairs
Summary
Facilities staff reported the district has installed multi‑purpose air/smoke/vape sensors and described responses to a major Shincoteague plumbing failure and an active Tangier water main leak that requires a valve installation.
District facilities staff reported several operational updates Feb. 4: vape/air sensors were installed across schools, Shincoteague High School experienced a substantial plumbing failure that flooded parts of the building, and Tangier school has an active underground water pipe leak that requires an insert valve and subsequent line replacement.
Staff said the installed sensors (described as multi‑purpose air/smoke/vape sensors) are operational districtwide but some locations are experiencing communication issues; principals have requested adjustments including disabling visible lights on devices that draw student attention. NANDUWA and Arcadia were reported as having the most alerts so far.
On Shincoteague, facilities staff said a copper‑to‑galvanized connection in a long‑running section of pipe failed, producing roughly 32,000 gallons of water between the leak start (approximately 12:18 a.m.) and shutoff (about 6:15–6:30 a.m.). The division worked with an emergency vendor, ServiceMaster, to extract water and dry the building; staff said almost all classroom areas tested dry before students returned, though some baseboard removal and repairs remain and ServiceMaster will conduct air sampling to confirm no mold issues.
Tangier has a leaking six‑inch water main that feeds the school; staff said the line currently has no shutoff valve local to the school and that crews are proposing to install an insert (surgically inserted) valve that can be installed without cutting island water service. Facilities provided an estimate for that valve installation of about $21,375; staff recommended the insertion and, once the valve is in place, a longer‑term plan to replace the line during summer shutdown to avoid future failures.
Staff asked the board to note these operational matters; no board action was required beyond receiving the report.
Ending: Facilities staff said they will continue repairs at affected sites, finalize Tangier valve scheduling, and report back on remediation testing results and construction timelines.
