With 8 of the 14 classrooms at Neal Wilkins Early Learning Center in Platteville damaged by water, it means over half of the buildings at Neal Wilkins are out of commission less than a week before students return from winter break. A pipe burst in the ceiling in the east side of the building and caused significant damage to walls, ceilings and floors at the school. An exact cost estimate is not yet available for the necessary repairs. A maintenance worker discovered the broken pipe during a routine check Monday morning, where he discovered standing water in the hallways. Superintendent Jim Boebel said the break was caused by the frigid cold temperatures from last week’s winter storm, which froze a pipe, then burst as things began to thaw. Boebel said repairs are expected to take eight weeks, if not longer.
