JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — Edison Local students and staff have returned to a repaired field house, but questions remain over who will ultimately pay for damage caused by a major water-line failure.
The flooding occurred Jan. 6 after a pipe failed in the field house control room, leaving a four-inch main water line open.
Superintendent Bill Beattie estimated that nearly 50,000 gallons of water entered the facility before the main line could be shut off. The flooding destroyed the gym floor, which was condemned and remained unusable for the rest of the school year.
The district moved quickly to replace the damaged surface, completing the new floor in time for graduation ceremonies in May.
Rather than waiting for insurers connected to other parties to determine potential responsibility, Edison Local opened a claim through its own insurance provider, SORSA, so repairs could proceed.
Beattie said the district’s claim remains under review. Discussions are also continuing with insurance companies representing PMI and Johnson Controls, but no agreement has been reached regarding liability or final payment.
School officials hope the insurance process will be resolved in the near future.
