A natural gas leak at a Umatilla school this morning forced the evacuation of the students of that school and a nearby school.
Just after 8:30 a.m., a natural gas leak was reported in the science wing of Clara Brownell Middle School, requiring evacuation of the school and of nearby Umatilla High School. Buses were requested from Mid-Columbia Bus Company and students were loaded to keep warm until further information was available.
After learning the repair would take some time, the district Reunification Plan was engaged and students were transported to McNary Heights Elementary School. By 11:58 am, almost all students had gone home. The remaining students were bused home with elementary students after school.
Heidi Sipe, superintendent of the Umatilla School District, said activating the Emergency and Reunifcation plans went well and she thanked all staff, students and parents for their cooperation and patience.
“Today was a day of stress, but also a day of great thankfulness,” she said. “Our students and staff are safe, our building is repaired and safe for occupancy, and our community showed its strength.”
School will resume on Friday as regularly scheduled.
