By SCOTT WHIPPLE
Staff writer

BERLIN — Superintendent of Schools Michael Cicchetti, Ed.D., has sent a letter to concerned parents of Catherine M. McGee Middle School students. Parents had complained about repeated gas leaks in the school over the past three weeks.

The first evacuation of McGee students and staff was two weeks ago after the middle school administration received reports of the smell of natural gas coming from inside the building. Following protocol, the administration immediately notified the fire department and evacuated the building. With the assistance of Connecticut Natural Gas, the fire department conducted a thorough investigation. Using sensitive meters designed to detect the presence of gas, the fire department and CNG determined that gas was not present and allowed staff and students to resume their schedules.

“Much to the credit of the fire department’s due diligence,” Cicchetti writes, “a malfunctioning roof-top HVAC unit which may have been the cause of the reported odor was identified. Upon the discovery, the unit was immediately disconnected and is no longer in use.”

The second incident resulting in evacuation of students and staff occurred last week following another report of a smell of natural gas inside the building. Once again, the fire department was immediately notified and staff and students were evacuated pending the department’s investigation.

According to Cicchetti, the department determined that gas was not present and the building was cleared for the safe return of students and staff.

Tuesday McGee students and staff were evacuated for a third and fourth time. What precipitated evacuations in both those instances was the report of an odor resembling burning wood and sulfur. After conducting a thorough investigation, which included the use of gas detection meters and heat-measuring cameras, the fire department determined that the source of the smell was a frozen motor in a hallway outside a computer lab. 

Cicchetti said the motor was disconnected and will be replaced. His letter continues: 

“During the past three weeks, the fire and police departments, building administration and our maintenance staff have responded appropriately to all reports. I assure you that:

“The district responded quickly and appropriately to all reports.

“The fire department found no metered reading of natural gas or CO present in the building at any time.

“In all four occurrences, the decision to allow students and staff to return to the school building following evacuation was made by the fire department upon completion of a thorough investigation.”

Assuring parents and guardians that the safety of students and staff is “paramount,” Cicchetti adds that a consultant is working closely with the town and the Board of Education to address the indoor air quality.

“We are hopeful that next steps will be determined expediently,” he writes and reiterates the board’s efforts to provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for students and staff. He invites parents and guardians to contact him about this or any other matter related to Berlin Public Schools.

Over the years, McGee has experienced similar odor problems. Several years ago a number of teachers became ill. No exact cause was found for the incident.

In April 2001, foul odors at McGee and Berlin High School were traced to light fixtures. The problem ceased when the fixtures were changed. Safety officials said students had not been in danger.

Scott Whipple can be reached at swhipple@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, ext. 319.