UNION COUNTY, Fla. – Students and faculty at Lake Butler Middle School will be without heat for an unknown period of time due to “issues with the system,” according to the superintendent of schools for the Union County School District.
In a statement sent to News4JAX, officials said that on Sunday afternoon, the heat was working at the school, but during the night, the valves stopped opening, which prevented hot water from flowing.
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“We’re working with W.W. Gay and our Maintenance Department to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Repairs and adjustments are underway, and we are hopeful the situation will be resolved soon,” the statement read.
Officials said that in the meantime, instruction is expected to continue as planned, with students being placed in “temporary spaces.” They also added that children would be allowed an excused absence if their parents chose to sign them out for the day.
The full statement can be read below.
On Sunday afternoon, the heat was working at Lake Butler Middle School after inspections were completed for each building and classroom. Unfortunately, during the night, we had issues with the system, with valves not opening to allow the hot water to flow. We’re working with W.W. Gay and our Maintenance Department to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Repairs and adjustments are underway, and we are hopeful the situation will be resolved soon.
In the meantime, instruction continues as planned, and staff are working hard to keep student learning going in these temporary spaces. We truly appreciate the flexibility, patience, and support of our families and community as we work through this. If you would like to sign your child out for today, the absence will be excused. Further updates will be provided later today.
Mike Ripplinger, Superintendent of Schools for Union County School District
No exact timeline for getting the heat back on was provided.
Updates on the situation will be provided on the Union County School District’s parent apps, as well as the school’s website and social media accounts.