The following message is from Rachel Stead, principal of Albany International Center and the Dual Language Progam at Edmund J. O'Neal School of Excellence.
I am writing to follow up on the natural gas leak detected Wednesday outside Albany International Center and the Dual Language Program and let you know about steps we are taking to address issues of concern.
Deputy Superintendent for Business Kimberly Rohring and Director of Facilities Ken Keefer met Wednesday with members of the PTA. During the meeting, parents shared their concerns regarding the multiple gas leaks that have occurred outside the building this fall. Deputy Superintendent Rohring and Facilities Director Keefer reassured them that the building is safe, and that there is persistent history of gas leaks or odors in recent years.
We acknowledged the three instances this fall. On Oct. 4, there was a leak on the exterior main line and odor came inside via air handling vents directly above the line. On Oct. 5, gas odor was detected again; National Grid responded immediately and tightened a leaking flange on the outside assembly. National Grid and BPI compared emissions afterward and levels were zero inside and outside the building.
On Dec. 3, National Grid replaced the building meter as part of their routine replacement schedule. Then on Dec. 8, a gas odor was detected in the building. National Grid and Director of Facilities Keefer responded to the school. A gas leak was detected at one of the couplings due to a pipe moving. National Grid replaced this part and others that Facilities Director Keefer questioned. Emission measurements were taken and there was no gas leak or odor detected after the repair.
Facilities Director Keefer also shared that work was done Tuesday by National Grid, including changing additional parts which were identified while they were on campus. Also, emissions were measured while National Grid and Mr. Keefer were onsite Wednesday, and nothing was detected.
Beginning Thursday, and until further notice, the City School District of Albany’s director of facilities and maintenance will be at school each morning in order to actively check the meter area.
Also, National Grid workers will be at the school this Saturday. They will conduct a comprehensive review of their equipment and repair or replace items as needed. When the review is finished, a school district representative will meet with National Grid to assure that the school’s boilers restart and that air quality is safe.
On Sunday, we will do a building check to make sure school is ready for Monday.
We plan to schedule another informational meeting with parents and district administration so that additional information may be shared, and questions and concerns addressed. We will share out the meeting date/time and virtual link as soon as that meeting is scheduled.
The safety of our students and staff remains our number one priority as a school building and as a district. We are committed to addressing this issue so that all families, students and staff can feel confident in the safety of our building.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions or concerns at (518) 475-6600 or rstead@albany.k12.ny.us
