Water Main Break At Pine Valley Results In Early Release

SAN RAMON, CA — A water main broke at Pine Valley Middle School Tuesday, causing students to be sent home at 12:45 p.m., SRVUSD spokesperson Ilana Israel Samuels confirmed to Patch.

"Due to a water main break on campus disrupting water and plumbing at school, including restroom access, the decision has been made to release the students at 12:45 PM out of an abundance of caution for their wellbeing," Pine Valley Principal Sandy Kontilis wrote in an email to families. The break did not result in any flooding, according to Samuels, but created very low water pressures, which is what caused the school to notice the break. All restrooms except one were closed down.

The main broke at an unusual time for pickup, creating logistical complications. Students were only released if parents or caregivers came to school to pick them up, or if they called or emailed the school to grant them permission to be picked up. Any students who remained on campus would have access to food and one working restroom, according to the email.

San Ramon police showed up at the school to manage the unusual traffic flow that stemmed from parents needing to park and show their permission to school staff, according to Samuels.

The school said it anticipates the damage will be repaired before school starts Wednesday, and school will begin at a normal time.