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Clifton Middle School in Alleghany County will open as scheduled Tuesday after suffering damage from burst water pipes during the recent deep freeze.
The water damage occurred on Dec. 24 when frigid weather conditions froze pipes and caused them to break. The damage was confined to areas of the gym and hallways, according to a statement from the school system. School maintenance staff members have been conducting necessary repairs since the incident occurred.
“There was minor damage to some ceiling tiles, as well as approximately 40 square feet of sheetrock. We had a couple of small leaks in hallways that have been repaired with the exception of one hallway heat exchanger. We are waiting on parts to make that repair,” said Eric Tyree, director of maintenance and transportation for Alleghany Highlands Public Schools in a statement.
There is no estimated cost on the overall damage, as repairs are ongoing.
CMS will host basketball games as scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday. CMS will play Covington in girls and boys games on Tuesday. The action is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. On Wednesday, CMS will host Eastern Greenbrier for girls and boys games. The first game is at 5 p.m.
“We owe a lot of gratitude to our custodial and maintenance staff. They were on scene shortly after this incident occurred, and they put a lot of time in during their holiday break to make sure the building is ready for the students to return on January 3,” Tyree said in a statement.