Education Dept. adjusts school operations amid superaqueduct breakdown
- The San Juan Daily Star
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read

By THE STAR STAFF
The island Education Department has announced temporary operational changes for schools and administrative offices in response to a major water service disruption caused by a rupture in the 72-inch Northern Superaqueduct pipeline near Manatí.
Education Secretary Eliezer Ramos Parés said the adjustments, made in coordination with the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA), are preventive and aim to safeguard the health and well-being of students and staff while maintaining educational continuity.
The affected municipalities include Manatí, Vega Alta, Dorado, Barceloneta, Morovis, Vega Baja, Caguas, Gurabo, Juncos, San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Carolina, Loíza, Bayamón and Guaynabo. The disruption could impact services at 278 public schools, affecting some 76,575 students.
“These measures are temporary and precautionary,” Ramos Parés stated. “There is no cause for alarm. We are working closely with relevant agencies to minimize disruptions.”
Temporary schedule adjustments
Wednesday, Oct. 22 to Friday, Oct. 24:
* Schools with functional cisterns will operate from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. or 8 a.m. to noon
* Schools with uninterrupted water supply will maintain regular hours.
* Lunch will be provided in “to go” format between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., depending on the school’s schedule.
Additional services and safety measures
* The “Nuestra Escuela Extendida” (NEExt) program will be suspended in affected municipalities until water service is restored.
* Regional education offices in Arecibo, Bayamón, Caguas, Humacao and San Juan will monitor cistern operations and coordinate school transportation.
* Essential maintenance and cleaning staff will work from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
* School directors must ensure access for emergency and maintenance personnel.
* School security officers -- both permanent and private -- will follow the adjusted school schedules. If a school must be evacuated due to lack of water, security staff will end their shifts as coordinated with regional offices. Private guards will be compensated only for actual hours worked.
* All security personnel will remain on-site for 30 minutes after student dismissal to assist with safe departures and maintain order around school grounds.
“These adjustments strengthen safety and supervision without disrupting the overall organization of our schools,” Ramos Parés added. “We thank all directors, security officers, and staff for their commitment and coordination during this situation.”
The agency urged the school community to stay informed through official channels for updates on repairs and service schedules