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ST. THOMAS — The V.I. Department of Education, in a statement released just after 11 p.m. Sunday, announced the temporary closure of the school today, citing a ruptured water line. In a released statement, the department said it was informing “parents, guardians, students, faculty, and staff of the Bertha C. Boschulte (BCB) Middle School that the school campus will be closed on Monday, October 27, 2025, due to a ruptured water line that requires excavation and extensive repairs. As a result of the ruptured water line, the school will not have access to water.” The release added that due to the nature of the assessment and repairs required, “an estimated time for completion cannot be provided at this time. Ensuring the full restoration of water service and the completion of all necessary repairs is the Department’s highest priority.” The closure comes with the expected delayed timeline for completing repairs — comes after teachers, with support of some students, have taken at least two job actions protesting mold and other conditions at the school, at one point forcing the department to dismiss students early. Education officials said in the statement that due to the work of maintenance and utility crews, the BCB campus will be closed to all students, faculty, and staff. “Additionally, all after-school programs, clubs, sporting activities, and other scheduled events are suspended until further notice. There will be no access to the school campus until the repair work has been completed and verified as safe for reopening,” according to the statement. The following will be adhered to until further notice: • Today — Faculty are required to attend a virtual meeting via Microsoft Teams at 8:30 a.m. to receive updates on the situation and guidance regarding the continuity of instruction and other preparations during the repair period • Staff — Support staff, including kitchen workers and monitors, will be contacted by their supervisors regarding temporary reassignments while the school campus remains closed. • Parents and guardians — All are advised that students should not report to the school today. Further information will be shared regarding instructional plans and operational updates for the duration of the repair period.
