Middle‑school fire pump failed inspection; district runs 24‑hour watch while repairs proceed

Facility staff told the committee April 7 that a fire pump at Millville Elementary School failed inspection, prompting a 24‑hour watch required by the fire department while the district arranges repairs.

Facilities report and safety measures: Administration said the building’s alarm systems, heat detectors and sensors remain operational and that a smaller auxiliary pump can supply one or two sprinkler heads but cannot operate the entire sprinkler system. The fire department requested a 24‑hour watch for the building while the district secures replacement parts and completes repairs.

Timeline and cost context: Facilities staff said the necessary parts and repairs were expected quickly and that the building would remain staffed; staff did not provide a total repair cost at the meeting. The facilities report also covered other projects: baseball and softball field improvements (dugout roofs, additional topsoil), delays on tennis‑court finishing until overnight temperatures remain above 50°F, and a decision to rebuild a high‑school circulator pump rather than wait 10–12 weeks for a full replacement.

Why it matters: A failed fire pump affects building fire‑suppression capability and requires temporary staffing and mitigations to reduce risk while repairs occur. Administration told the committee the measure was precautionary and that the building remains guarded and monitored.

Next steps: Facilities staff will continue to pursue replacement parts and repair options and will update the committee when the 24‑hour watch is lifted or the repair is complete.

Ending: Committee members thanked custodial and facilities staff for staffing the building during the watch; no closure of the school was announced during the meeting.