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Flood at PCS forces short-term relocations, cleanup and insurance claims; school spaces expected to reopen after drywall/flooring work
Summary
A custodial-closet plumbing failure caused widespread water damage at PCS, triggering mitigation work, insurance claims (two events with $50,000 deductibles), temporary relocation of sixth-graders to Elm Street School, and plans for drywall and flooring repairs with contractor bids being solicited.
District leaders reported that a broken adapter on a custodial-sink hose caused water to flood multiple floors at PCS over the Easter weekend, damaging ceilings, walls, flooring and elevator pits. The district closed affected spaces, contracted Surf Pro and other vendors for mitigation, and documented damages for the insurance adjuster.
"The adapter burst and that was the water," a district representative said in explaining the cause. The superintendent said the first mitigation crews were on site Monday, teams worked through drying and cleanup, and the district posted photos and updates on social media to communicate the scope of damage.
Immediate steps: The district canceled in-person instruction for several days, prepared alternate learning packets and food-service pickups, and rerouted some grade levels. Sixth graders were temporarily relocated to Elm Street School, where the district used available spaces — including the central district conference room repurposed as a classroom — to maintain continuity of instruction and transportation schedules.
Insurance and costs: The superintendent said the district faces a $50,000 deductible for this water event (a similar deductible applies to a second event). The district is working with its insurance adjuster and structural reviewers and noted that repair timelines depend on contractor availability and moisture readings; drywall removal and moisture drilling were part of the mitigation approach.
Longer-term planning: District officials said they expect ongoing repair work (drywall, flooring, some ceiling replacement) and will seek contractor bids and timelines. They are also exploring state waivers or forgiveness for missed days and indicated they would seek to minimize learning disruption with make-up days and waiver requests.
What the public was told: Officials described the town of Poland's prompt assistance and community offers of space (town hall, library, museum) to help house displaced activities. The board did not act on a resolution beyond directing staff to continue repairs and seek insurance and state guidance.
Next steps: The superintendent said targeted repairs were underway and that the district would keep families informed; no definitive completion date was announced at the meeting.
