Crews working through weekend

to fix damage from pipe break

A leak discovered last Tuesday left classrooms at The Providence School in Wilmore with an inch or more of standing water; school was dismissed until this week.

In total, 10 classrooms and two main hallways were affected by the leak with what Patrice Jones, who heads up community and public relations for Jessamine County Schools, said was a significant amount of water.

Students returned on the pre-determined date of Jan. 8, and after using a non-traditional instruction day, will need to make up a half day for their time missed. The make-up day has been set for Friday, Jan. 19 as this date was originally scheduled to be a half day. Students will now attend for a full day to make up the necessary time.

“The water damaged ceiling tiles, floor tiles, desks and other furniture, electronic items, textbooks and other classroom items such as rugs, teaching materials, etc.,” Jones said.

“More than likely the burst pipe was related to sustained low temperatures.”

Jones said that district and school personnel worked over the weekend and was able to make it possible for students to return on Monday. Although the facility is an older building, Jones said that the staff and students continue to enjoy The Providence School location in Wilmore.

“All of the clean-up and essential repair has been completed, ceiling tiles replaced etc.,” Jones said. “Only some cosmetic repair, such as replacing floor tiles that were slightly damaged or minor painting still remains. Administrators are finalizing the inventory of items that need to be replaced and are ordering textbooks and classroom materials. District surplus is expected to be utilized for current furniture needs.”

Superintendent Matt Moore said that he is proud of the quick and thorough response of the school district and personnel that stood up to address the clean up and restoration that followed the pipes bursting last week.

“Considering the large extent of the resulting damage, the fact that The Providence School students missed only three days of school is nothing short of amazing,” Moore said. “Our goal was to limit the loss of instructional time and get The Providence School students back into a safe and clean learning environment as soon as possible. Under the leadership of The Providence School head custodian Micki Gill and Director of Maintenance John Clemons, and with the hard work of our outstanding team the building is absolutely ready to receive students.”

The school is scheduled to move to its previous facility on Computrex Drive in Nicholasville, where the environment Jones said will be designed with updated construction standards.  Although, Principal for The Providence School Eric Sowers said that after the clean up, The Providence School condition is better than ever.

“Over the weekend, it was all hands on deck,” Sowers said. “With our staff joined by Superintendent Moore and others from the district rolling up our sleeves to get the school ready for students. The Providence School graduates got in touch, offering to come and help their alma mater. And our friends in the community pitched in with local businesses and residents offering assistance. During the brief closure, The Providence School staff went the extra mile to stay in touch with students making sure that their needs were met. As unfortunate as this situation was, it offers a reminder of how blessed we are to be in this community and how proud I am to work in this district.”