Winslow interim superintendent reports extensive middle school water damage; board okays Oct. 13 virtual half‑day for middle school

Interim Superintendent Mark Pease told the Winslow Township Board of Education on Oct. 8 that the middle school suffered extensive water damage that required extraction, demolition and phased repairs. He said contractors are uncovering secondary problems in the older building, timelines remain uncertain and the district is exploring insurance coverage that "could be $1 to $2 million," though the final amount is not yet known.

Pease said no district students were injured in a separate shooting reported to the district and that the police are investigating that incident. He reported there was no damage to district Chromebooks or copiers identified so far. Because the New Jersey Department of Education denied a waiver for the lost days, Pease said the district must make up three instructional days and proposed options that include taking days from breaks or inserting additional days in the calendar. The board emphasized minimizing disruption and seeking parent and teacher input on scheduling.

The board voted to approve a first makeup day on Oct. 13 as a half‑day virtual session for middle school students only. Ms. Peterson moved the motion and it carried on roll call. Pease said the district has been working with WTEA and building administration on coverage for the makeup days and will follow up with a final calendar for parents and staff.

District leaders said they continue to work with contractors and their insurance carrier and will provide updates once estimates and timelines are clearer. Pease also described outreach efforts to support staff and students following a recent community tragedy: he has coordinated dog therapy and traumatic loss coalition resources for staff and students.