Gas leaks at Goessel school causes temporary closing of building
Gas leaks were detected outside Goessel Elementary School last week causing the relocating of elementary students to other sites while work is being completed on gas lines leading into the building.
Grades four through six have been moved to Goessel Junior/Senior High School and grades kindergarten through third have been moved to Goessel Mennonite Church. Support services such as speech, resource lab, music, art, physical education, band, Title I, and ELP will continue. Hot lunches will be served at the high school.
Leaks were detected outside the elementary school last Wednesday. After a series of tests on the line Thursday and Friday, it was decided that much of the pipeline installed in 1959 has deteriorated and needs to be replaced. Classes for elementary students were canceled last Friday, and staff members worked on plans for relocation.
"After the incident at Marshall Middle School in Wichita, we didn't want to take any chances," said superintendent John Fast. "It has been a smooth transition."
Information about the relocation of students set for Monday was relayed to parents by signs in the downtown area, phone calls, and announcements in local churches. According to elementary staff members, the move has been smooth with teachers and students adjusting without any problems.
"The move from the elementary school involves 145 students and 18 staff members," Fast said. "We also will continue to provide support services for our students. We hope to be back in the elementary building by Thursday [today] or Friday."
Messages to kindergarten through third grade students can be delivered by calling the elementary school at 367-8118 or at Goessel Mennonite Church at 367-2446. Messages to students in grades four through six can be delivered by calling the high school at 367-2242.
