03/05/2026
Good evening,
We understand that many families have questions and concerns regarding the water situation at our schools. Please know that we share those concerns. It is out of an abundance of care for our students, staff, and community that we are providing the following information and timeline.
Prior to 3:28 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, there had been no reports of any issues with the water at either school. If any students or staff were aware of a concern earlier, it had not been reported. We encourage everyone—staff and students alike—to report any issues or concerns immediately. If you see something, please say something.
At 3:28 p.m., our Food Service Director discovered that the ice in the cafeteria was discolored. At that time, cafeteria staff believed, in good faith, that the issue was with the ice machine itself rather than the water supply.
Maintenance staff were notified and came to inspect the machine. They began taking it apart to clean it, again believing the issue was equipment-related. Unfortunately, during that process they discovered that the concern was actually with the water.
5:02 p.m. – The Food Service Director emailed administration at both schools with concerns that the issue was in fact with the water supply, not the equipment.
5:16 p.m. – The Superintendent began communicating with maintenance staff at both schools to check on the water situation.
6:05 p.m. – The Superintendent participated in a group call with maintenance staff, representatives from both school boards, and the water department.
6:31 p.m. – The Superintendent held another group call with the Food Service Director and representatives from both school boards. A plan was developed and agreed upon.
7:11 p.m. – The decision was made to cancel school, and notifications were sent to families.
Today, our Food Service Director and maintenance staff came in early and have been in continued communication with the Superintendent, the health department, and the water company. The water company has inspected the situation. The Superintendent traveled to Sierra Vista to obtain bottled water, and maintenance staff also traveled there to obtain equipment needed to install an additional filter in the cafeteria, which will be installed after students leave school tomorrow.
This afternoon, the Superintendent and the Food Service Director participated in a group call with the health department. They advised that school can safely be held tomorrow provided that bottled water is available and the cafeteria menu is adjusted to avoid any cooking that requires water.
School will be in session tomorrow and it will remain the scheduled half day.
We completely respect and understand parental concerns. Any student who does not attend tomorrow will be excused without penalty. Please ensure that you call the office and report you are holding your student(s) home related to this concern.
To ensure safety:
Bottled water will be available.
The cafeteria menu will be modified to dry items only, with no scratch cooking that requires water.
Gallons of water are available for dishwashing and sanitation.
The health department thanked our staff and governing boards for the care and caution shown in canceling school today and indicated they are comfortable with the plan in place for tomorrow.
Thank you for your care, patience, and continued support of our schools and our students. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly on my cell phone:
Elizabeth Hawkins, Superintendent
520-422-5552
