Students and staff at Albia Junior High and High School were dismissed early on Friday afternoon after several individuals reported experiencing headaches. School officials took precautionary measures, ending the school day at 1 p.m. to investigate the cause.
Subsequent environmental testing revealed no immediate dangers within the building. According to a statement from the district, the situation was handled with an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of everyone on campus.
Key Takeaways
- Albia Junior High and High School had an early dismissal at 1 p.m. on Friday, November 7.
- The dismissal was a precautionary measure after some people reported headaches.
- Air quality tests showed carbon monoxide levels at zero and carbon dioxide levels within the normal range.
- Officials have stated there are no immediate concerns, but monitoring will continue.
Details of the Incident
The school day in Albia was interrupted Friday when reports of headaches among an unspecified number of individuals at the combined junior high and high school campus raised concerns. The district administration acted quickly to address the potential health issue.
In a decisive move, officials announced a 1 p.m. dismissal. This allowed the building to be vacated, facilitating a thorough investigation by safety personnel and utility partners.
Coordinated Emergency Response
Immediately following the decision to dismiss students, a coordinated effort involving local emergency services was initiated. First responders, along with representatives from Alliant Energy, arrived on-site to conduct comprehensive air quality tests.
Parents were notified of the early dismissal, and the district worked to ensure an orderly and safe departure for all students and staff. The prompt response was aimed at minimizing disruption while prioritizing well-being.
Investigation Finds No Immediate Danger
After a thorough examination of the school's environment, tests for harmful gases came back clear. This news brought a sense of relief to the community, which was awaiting information about the cause of the symptoms.
Air Quality Test Results
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): Levels were measured at zero.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Levels were found to be within the expected, normal range for an occupied building.
These results indicate that a buildup of carbon monoxide, a common concern in such situations, was not the cause of the reported headaches. Officials confirmed that the building's air quality did not pose an immediate threat.
"Current readings show carbon monoxide levels at zero, and carbon dioxide levels are within the expected range. These tests indicate no immediate concerns in the building."
Richard Montgomery, Superintendent
Official Statement and Community Gratitude
Superintendent Richard Montgomery issued a formal statement addressing the day's events. He emphasized the district's commitment to safety and transparency throughout the incident.
"On Friday, November 7, the district made the decision to dismiss Albia Junior High and High School students early after some individuals reported experiencing headaches in the building," Montgomery explained. He reiterated that the decision was made out of an abundance of caution.
The superintendent also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the various groups that assisted in managing the situation effectively.
Acknowledging Community Partners
In his statement, Superintendent Montgomery specifically thanked several key partners for their swift and professional assistance: emergency management staff, first responders, Alliant Energy, and the district's parents, staff, and students.
"We would like to extend a sincere thank you to emergency management staff, first responders, Alliant Energy, and our parents, staff, and students for their flexibility and support as we navigated this situation," he said.
Next Steps and Ongoing Monitoring
While the initial tests have ruled out immediate environmental hazards, the school district is not considering the matter closed. Officials have pledged to continue monitoring the air quality in the building over the weekend.
This ongoing vigilance is designed to ensure that the environment remains safe for the return of students and staff. The district has promised to provide additional updates to the community as more information becomes available or if any new developments arise.
The proactive approach—from the early dismissal to the continued monitoring—highlights the district's focus on maintaining a secure learning environment. Parents and staff can expect further communication from the administration regarding the status of the school buildings before classes are scheduled to resume.