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ST. THOMAS — Students will return to class today at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, after an underground waterline failed Sunday night, forcing the campus to close Monday while crews completed emergency repairs. The waterline failed around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, resulting “in a significant water loss — WAPA meters recorded over 100 gallons per minute,” according to the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance. “Upon inspection, one of the five shut-off valves was found to be so corroded that it fell apart when WAPA attempted to turn it off.” Workers with the Bureau, Sleepy’s Plumbing, and WAPA worked through Sunday night and Monday to complete repairs and restore water service to the school. The Education Department said in a press release Monday that repairs had been completed and campus would reopen for classes today. “VIDE extends sincere appreciation to the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance, utility crews, and all individuals who worked tirelessly even during overnight hours to ensure that repairs were completed as quickly and safely as possible,” according to the statement. Students and teachers have been frustrated with leaking roofs, broken air conditioning units, and other issues, which have prompted protests and a recent early dismissal, and Bureau director Craig Benjamin said the school is scheduled for major renovations to begin in December.
