A sprinkler system malfunction at Island Coast High School caused flooding Thursday, leaving parts of the building soaked. Some students, staff, and parents questioned the decision to reopen the school today, concerned about lingering safety and cleanliness issues.
A video shared with Gulfcoast News showed water pouring from the system. Michael Nelson, a grandparent of two students, received an urgent call from his grandchildren on Thursday, who described a chaotic scene with fire department personnel on-site.
Although three classrooms were temporarily closed due to water damage, school resumed today.
Senior Ryleigh Skovran said the worst part of the day was the smell that she described as "dirty water." She also noticed lower attendance, with many students absent.
"There was one class with only six kids in it," she said.
The Lee County School District reassured the community that the building is safe, with the fire sprinkler system tested last week and deemed fully functional. Despite this, some parents, including Nelson, felt reopening was too soon, expressing concerns about potential health risks and safety.
The Cape Coral Fire Department says they were on site replacing the faulty sprinkler head to help prevent further damage. Now, cleanup efforts continue at the school.