Loyal school deals with natural gas leak
The Loyal School District had to relocate students to another classroom after having an issue with a gas smell in the 4K rooms and upper elementary hallway coming from the air handler above the 4K rooms.
“The air handler is three and a-half years old and we have had issues with it since it was installed. After having a third HVAC company try and diagnose the problem, Complete Control has found the problem and is working on a solution,” Loyal District Administrator Chris Lindner wrote in the district newsletter update Tuesday.
Last Friday afternoon, Lindner sent out a Remind notification to parents stating that a technician from Complete Control and Brad Graffunder, school facilities supervisor, had discovered a small gas leak in the air hander unit that provides heating and cooling to the 4K rooms.
The rooms were tested multiple times with a carbon monoxide detector and currently have carbon monoxide detectors placed in the room, but no carbon monoxide was ever been found. The smell people noticed was from an additive that’s put in natural gas to make leaks easier to detect.
“We’ve ordered the parts needed to fix the system. While we wait for those to arrive, we’re taking precautions to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort,” Lindner noted.
The district is not holding classes in the 4K rooms until the issue is completely resolved. There was no school for elementary students on Feb. 3, as the teachers had a data day. Starting Feb. 4, the following adjustments were made: – The second grade students were merged into one classroom, with the two teachers co-teaching.
- One 4K class was temporarily moved to the vacated second grade room.
- The other 4K class was temporarily moved to the elementary art room.
– Elementary art teacher Susan DeBauche is conducting art classes within individual grade level classrooms during their regularly scheduled periods.
“This approach ensures continuity in our art education program while maximizing available space,” wrote Lindner in a parent update Monday.
He extended his appreciation to everyone for their understanding in dealing with this situation.
