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Winslow Township interim superintendent reports major middle school water damage; board schedules makeup day
Summary
Interim Superintendent Mark Pease told the Winslow Township Board of Education that the middle school suffered significant water damage requiring phased demolition and repairs and that insurance could cover "1 to 2 million dollars"; the board approved an Oct.13 virtual half‑day for middle‑school students to begin making up lost time.
Interim Superintendent Mark Pease told the Winslow Township Board of Education on Oct. 8 that a water incident at the middle school required extraction, demolition and phased repairs and that the district has not yet set a firm timeline for students to return to all affected spaces.
Pease said crews have completed initial extraction and cleanup and are beginning additional demolition to address floor damage. "We are in basically what we're calling phase two," he said, adding that the district is working with contractors and expects "phase three" for installations and repairs.
Why it matters: Pease told the board the district must make up three lost instructional days after the closure. He said the New Jersey Department of Education denied a waiver request, so the district must reschedule the time. "So we have to make the days up," Pease said, and the board later approved Oct. 13 as a half virtual day for the middle school.
On costs and insurance: Pease described the damage as significant and said the district is "looking at possibly insurance covering 1 to 2 million dollars worth of damage in our building." He cautioned that the estimate is preliminary and that contractors and insurers still must finalize figures.
Chromebooks and equipment: Pease reported no Chromebooks or major electronics were damaged and that copiers appeared unaffected. The district said it will continue to monitor equipment readiness and coordinate with contractors to minimize premium increases while completing repairs.
Board action: After discussion, the board voted to approve Oct. 13 as a half virtual school day for middle school students to begin making up one of the lost days; the motion carried by roll call vote.
Next steps: Pease said the district will continue contractor work, coordinate with insurers, and consult parents, teachers and staff on the remaining make‑up dates. The board asked administration to report back with timelines and cost updates when they are available.
