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Letter to Schools 1,8,9 and 28 parents about suspected gas odor

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Olga Hugelmeyer, Ed. D.

 

 

Superintendent of Schools

 

 

 

January 29, 2025

 

 

Dear Parents and Guardians:

 

Elizabeth Public Schools is strongly committed to providing a safe and caring environment for all students, families, and team members.

 

This morning, due to a suspected natural gas odor detected at George Washington Academy School No. 1, iPrep Academy School No. 8, Jerome Dunn Academy School No. 9, and Juan Pablo Duarte – José Julián Martí School No. 28, the fire department was notified and students and team members were evacuated from those respective school buildings.

 

The premises at each school were investigated by the Elizabeth Fire Department and, as an added precaution, the Elizabeth Public Schools Division of Plant, Property, and Equipment contacted PSE&G to inspect the gas systems.

 

The issue was determined to be an odor related to local sewage treatment. Clearance was given for students and team members to return to the school building and resume regularly scheduled activities.

 

Please know that the safety of our children and our team members is always a top priority and informing the parents and guardians of our school community in a timely manner about issues pertaining to safety is of utmost importance.

 

We are grateful for the professional and rapid attention given to this matter by the Elizabeth Fire Department, PSE&G, and members of our plant and property team.

 

Thank you for your continued support of Elizabeth Public Schools.

 

Sincerely,

 

Dr. Olga Hugelmeyer