Schoolchildren in Northern Oxford County districts had another day off on Thursday, this time because transportation routes were flooded.

“This is the first time we’ve canceled school because of flooding,” said SAD 43 Superintendent Jim Hodgkin. “If waters recede, school will be in session on Friday.”

Heavy rains and wind caused little damage Wednesday, although Hodgkin said droplets of water were blown into Mountain Valley High School and the Central Office in Mexico, causing wet carpets.

With Bethel virtually stranded because all major routes into the town were flooded, SAD 44 students also had the day off.

Superintendent David Murphy said he knew of no damage to any of the district’s schools, but he was about to take the tour later in the afternoon. Water was reported at the doors of the bus garage on Route 26.

“I think I’ll put snorkels and floatation devices in the school budget,” he joked.

He said he is hopeful that school can be held Friday, but it all depends on the cresting of the Androscoggin River. As of late Thursday, the National Weather Service had predicted that the river would crest at 1 a.m. Friday.

SAD 21 students were off, as well. Dirigo Middle School was designated as an emergency shelter, if needed.

In Canton, a member of the SAD 21 district with a small school located on the floodplain, much of the village was evacuated, including items from the school’s basement.

eadams@sunjournal.com

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