Lowell High School To Reopen After Gas Leak Issues
LOWELL (CBS) - Students are expected to return to class on Monday after Lowell High School was closed for three days in a row as the school deals with gas leak issues.
Lowell City Manager Eileen Donoghue said Friday that the school's heating system has been inspected and the building, which was built in 1980, has heat. The gas heat to the field house will be turned off for the remainder of the year.
"Every inch of it has been tested and all is safe," Donoghue told reporters during a press conference on Friday.
Heating units in the field house are being replaced, and it is estimated it will take 4 to 7 weeks to repair them.
The repairs are expected to begin in a few weeks.
The 40-year-old heating system is on its last legs and has been a problem for both students, parents and the entire city.
"We can no longer put Band-Aids on this system. We can no longer try to patch or replace parts. That has been done," Donoghue said.
The city announced Friday that it will buy three new heating systems for the Riddick Field House, the gymnasium located inside the high school.
"I'm really glad they said they're replacing the three units rather than just getting parts to fix, which as we've seen doesn't work," said parents Ann Draper.
Parent Lauren Szafran said she's not concerned about the gas leak or exposure but "I'm concerned about the pictures I get on a regular basis."
The pictures show ceilings leaking, halls flooded and near-freezing temperatures in the classrooms.
"She said, 'Mommy I'm not even on the first floor but it's raining in Latin,'" said Szafran.
There is "zero tolerance when it comes to safety," Donoghue said.
Parents grew frustrated with the situation, saying there have been heat issues all winter.
Students have been out of school this week for school vacation week.
The school was closed April 11-12. Students evacuated April 10 due to a leak in the field house.
The week prior, students went home early after a pool heater caused a gas leak.
Lowell has plans for a new high school. A meeting was recently held to discuss the plans.
"It doesn't matter if there will be a school in 5-6 years," Donoghue said, adding that city and school officials "have to do something now."
Earlier this winter, class was canceled at the school due to heating issues. Students were forced to sit in classrooms that were around 45 degrees.
Students missed a total of four days due to heating issues. Students will have to make up one of those days.
The superintendent said the situation does not hurt their accreditation.
Parents like Anne Draper are glad the school is replacing the heating systems but they want more.
"They need a new high school. They deserve it, it's 40 years old. It's falling apart," Draper said. "There are numerous issues that they didn't talk about today."