School Fix Requires Eversource, Forces More Missed Class Days

OXFORD, CT — Quaker Farms School will remain closed through the end of this week as crews continue working to restore heat and power following major HVAC and heating system issues, district officials announced Wednesday.

In a letter to families dated Feb. 11, Superintendent Ralph Marino Jr. said the building is currently operating on auxiliary heat sources, with indoor temperatures ranging from 50 to 60 degrees in most areas. As the building has warmed, leaks have been discovered, primarily from failed sprinkler heads after pipes were stressed by freezing and thawing.

A large trailer generator needed to power the new electric HVAC system arrived at noon Wednesday after being delayed. The district said the generator is required because the new system needs more power than the building currently has.

Eversource is expected to begin installing a new transformer in front of the school on Great Oak Road starting Thursday, with work continuing through Saturday. During installation, power to the building will be temporarily turned off and on at times.

“Given all of these moving parts, at this time, it is not safe to bring back our students and staff to the building tomorrow and Friday,” Marino wrote.

Quaker Farms School will be closed Thursday, Feb. 12 and Friday, Feb. 13. All Oxford schools will then be closed as planned for winter break on Monday, Feb. 17 and Tuesday, Feb. 18. District officials said they are hopeful students and staff will return Wednesday, Feb. 18.

The district also announced changes to the end-of-year calendar to meet Connecticut’s 180-day requirement.

Originally, the last day of school was scheduled for Tuesday, June 9.

Under the revised calendar, Great Oak Elementary School, Oxford Middle School and Oxford High School will now end the year on Thursday, June 11.

Quaker Farms School will now have its last day on Friday, June 19, to make up two district-wide snow days and six additional closure days related to the heating issues.

Marino said crews, including district facilities staff, custodians and contractors, have been working around the clock. The old hot water heating system sustained extensive damage, and rather than repair it, the district is accelerating installation of the new electric HVAC system, which had already been underway.

The old hot water system is expected to be removed this summer as part of the larger HVAC project.