As shared earlier today, KMS experienced electrical outages yesterday and again this morning. Although the power was restored yesterday and remained on throughout the night, an additional outage occurred at approximately 7:05 a.m. this morning. Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure the safety of our students and staff, the school operated on a half-day schedule today.
Following the outages, the district's facilities and maintenance team worked with an outside electrical contractor with specific experience in this type of main electrical equipment to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the building's electrical system and identify the cause of the interruptions. The electrical contractors completed emergency troubleshooting of the school's main electrical equipment, including an evaluation of the breaker, trip unit, accessible electrical conditions, and related system indicators. Based on that assessment, they determined that the existing main breaker and trip unit must be replaced.
The district is working to have the replacement work completed on Sunday, September 27th, to restore the building's electrical system and open KMS for a regular school day on Monday. This work requires a coordinated shutdown and restoration process with PSE&G, as well as the completion of administrative and utility-related requirements before the contractor can proceed.
Because a nor'easter is expected this weekend, the timing of the work remains dependent on weather conditions, PSE&G's determination that it is safe to proceed, and PSE&G's ability to be onsite. We are actively working through the requirements needed to keep the project on schedule; however, weather conditions, PSE&G's safety determination, and required utility and administrative processes may affect the timeline. If PSE&G determines that weather or field conditions make the planned work unsafe, or if the requirements cannot be completed in time, we will postpone the replacement, and KMS may not be able to open on Monday.
The safety of utility personnel, electrical contractors, students, staff, and our community remains our highest priority. We understand that this situation is disruptive for families, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve it as quickly and safely as possible.
The district will provide an additional update on Sunday regarding the status of the repair work and the plan for school on Monday.
Thank you for your continued partnership and cooperation.
