Virtual learning to continue at 2 Tecumseh schools after water main break

Tecumseh middle and high schools, which have held remote classes most of this week because of a water main break Sunday, will continue to learn virtually Friday.

The water lines were repaired Tuesday, however, the district is required to ensure that the water is free of chloroform bacteria and E. coli before in-person classes can resume. Officials have gotten verbal confirmation that the water is free of both toxins. However, they had not received an official hard copy of the test results Thursday, Superintendent Paula Crew said.

Credit: Contributed

The water main break, which occurred on the school district’s main campus, did not affect the elementary schools.

Friday athletic events are not affected.

ExploreTwo Tecumseh schools pivot to virtual learning after water main break

The incident happened Sunday afternoon, when a pipe that’s connected to a water tank broke. The district is using the water tank while its water tower is being refurbished. The district hired a company to sandblast the interior and exterior of the at least 16-year-old water tower and then reseal it, which needs to be done about every 12 to 18 years.

Crew said she thinks the break was caused by a temporary pipe that was running to the temporary water tank, and the fluctuation of weather caused it to burst.

ExploreIncreased COVID cases, staff shortage forces Northeastern schools to switch to remote learning

Maintenance Supervisor Boyd Barger does a check at the pump house every Saturday and Sunday, and while he was on site Sunday in the building checking he heard something snap, Crew said.

Winter break for all students begins on Monday. Crew said first semester will be extended one week after the break for middle and high school students only, ending on Jan. 7, to give students a chance to return and have review for their final exams.

In Other News

Ex-auditor Roger Reynolds’ felony conviction overturned

McDonald’s breaks ground in New Carlisle

COhatch requests tax incentive from Hamilton for downtown project

Taco Bell coming to New Carlisle

Death at crash ruled homicide: Hamilton man identified, reportedly...

About the Author

Brooke Spurlock

Brooke Spurlock covers education, crime and more in Clark and Champaign counties as a reporter for the Springfield News-Sun. She has been a writer for over five years, which includes her previous work as a breaking news desk investigator. Spurlock has her bachelor's in mass communications with a minor in psychology and her associates in paralegal.