Four schools closed in Wayne County due to water quality issues

UPDATE 1/19/26 @ 6:50 p.m.

WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) — The ongoing effects of an oil spill in Wayne County will close four county schools on Tuesday, according to Wayne County Schools.

East Lynn Elementary, Wayne Elementary, Wayne Middle and Wayne High schools all will be closed due to water quality issues.

In the release, Superintendent Todd Alexander said, “It is likely this will impact additional days later in the week, and we will continue to monitor the situation closely. Wayne County Schools will begin providing schedule updates tomorrow evening as additional information becomes available.”

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ORIGINAL STORY

WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) — Wayne County Schools superintendent Todd Alexander has given an update about the schedule for schools impacted by the water advisory in Wayne County.

The advisory came after an oil spill affected the town’s water resources last week.

In a statement, he said, “Wayne County Schools is continuing to monitor the Town of Wayne water advisory impacting East Lynn Elementary School, Wayne Elementary School, Wayne Middle School, and Wayne High School.

At each of the impacted schools, we have jugged/bottled water available for consumption. Portable handwashing stations are also located inside the buildings if needed. We are currently awaiting further guidance from local officials regarding water testing results and the safe uses of the water within the schools including if the water can be utilized for cleaning.

Wayne County Schools will announce the school schedule for tomorrow no later than 7:00 p.m. this evening.”

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