Haywood County Schools reports boiler room waterline burst; rental heaters and replacement burners in use

District staff told the meeting that a waterline burst, believed to have occurred around New Year's Day, flooded the boiler room and disabled the burner units that heat the building. Technicians from WC Ross and Sons (a service firm referenced in the discussion) and Climate Systems inspected the equipment, replaced multiple parts where possible and concluded new burners needed to be ordered.

To maintain heat while parts are procured, the district said it secured a rental heating unit that could be plumbed into the existing system; the unit was scheduled to arrive at 08:00. Contractors also disconnected a wet energy‑management control, which allowed both burners to fire during troubleshooting. The presenter said staff worked to isolate circulation pumps and other controls and expected the temporary measures and repairs to restore reliable heat before an upcoming cold spell.

Staff said classroom space has temporary heaters and each classroom has a 1,500‑watt meter; the presenter said the fire marshal had reviewed those units. "We were able to procure one of those today, and it won't be supposed to arrive there at 08:00," the presenter said of the rental unit; he also said the rental would be ready as a backup if primary repairs remain incomplete.

Board members asked that parents and the community be kept informed about progress; several board members and speakers thanked maintenance and contractor staff for rapid response. The district did not record a formal budget figure for the repairs in the transcript; insurance coverage and final costs were described as still to be determined.