Hydrant geyser causes significant damage at Litel Elementary

By Neil Nisperos

Staff Writer

The Chino Valley Unified school board has decided to hire a contractor to assess the damage to two buildings that were damaged after a motorist struck a fire hydrant in front of Litel Elementary School in Chino Hills.

The Nov. 7 incident created a geyser that poured water onto two modular classroom buildings, one of which was used for storage. 

The rush of water damaged walls, floors as well as air conditioning and electrical systems. It also caused some exterior erosion, according to a district report. 

The impacted class has been moved to another room.

The school board on Thursday voted to ask permission from the county Superintendent of Schools' Office to begin the work without going through the required bidding process. With that permission, the district could hire a contractor immediately.

Julie Gobin, Chino Valley Unified spokeswoman, said the district won't know if the buildings are salvageable until the contractor is hired. 

"We need the board to approve moving forward without going through the bid process," Gobin said.

"If we went out to bid on this, it would delay the repairs to the point that we may not have a choice as to whether the buildings can be salvaged. It might be too late." 

The restoration of the modular classrooms is necessary to avoid danger to the property, district officials said. 

Cost of the damage is still to be determined, but will be handled by insurance and possible compensation from the motorist, said Boardmember Michael Calta.

neil.nisperos@inlandnewspapers.com