Superintendent says repeated voltage surges forced early school dismissals, REC pledges equipment upgrades

Dr. Grimsley, superintendent of Rappahannock County Public Schools, told the Board of Supervisors that repeated power outages and voltage surges this year have “significantly disrupted school operations and caused substantial damage to essential systems.” She said insurance claims filed before the most recent surges already exceeded $130,000 over the prior year.

The superintendent said the incidents created safety and operational problems that in some cases required early dismissals after water pressure dropped below 20 psi, rendering restrooms inoperable. “We cannot maintain safe school operations without functioning water systems and restroom facilities,” she said.

Dr. Grimsley credited Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) for responding to advocacy from school staff and the board. REC conducted on‑site pole inspections and high‑resolution drone imaging; the cooperative’s investigation attributed two of the major outages to fallen trees during storms on Nov. 6 and Nov. 11 and pledged targeted equipment upgrades and coordination on voltage protection devices.

Board members asked why the school did not move students into a gymnasium powered by an on‑site generator during outages. Dr. Grimsley said moving hundreds of students to an alternate facility imposes staffing, liability and logistical challenges and noted that the elementary school’s dedicated generator was not yet installed. She said that installation should reduce the likelihood that future surges will force closures or early releases.

The superintendent and supervisors agreed to continue pursuing coordination with REC, explore community sheltering partners such as churches, and monitor whether REC’s recommended changes reduce surges and equipment failures. No formal action was taken; the report was received for the record.