ALBIA, Iowa — Students at the 7-12 building in the Albia Community School District are on virtual learning on Tuesday.
That is after several students and staff reported not feeling well on Monday.
Students were dismissed early on Friday after some individuals reported experiencing headaches while in the building.
Testing for carbon monoxide was done and showed levels were at zero and carbon dioxide levels were within the expected range.
On Monday evening, district officials were notified by Monroe County emergency room staff that a member of the school staff, who was evaluated Monday afternoon, showed signs of exposure to elevated levels of carbon dioxide.
Out of an abundance of caution, school officials made the decision to transition to a virtual learning day on Tuesday for grades 7-12.
Additional experts are being brought in to conduct a more comprehensive evaluation of the building’s air quality.
School will continue as usual for the elementary students on Tuesday, and transportation for those students will run on the normal schedule.
Below is the full statement from Superintendent Richard Montgomery released Tuesday morning:
“On Friday, Alliant Energy, the fire department, and emergency management personnel inspected the 7-12 building and confirmed that it was safe to occupy. As a precautionary measure, we then placed additional carbon monoxide detectors throughout the building, and they have not indicated anything unusual.
On Monday, several students and staff shared concerns and reported not feeling well. Monday evening, we were notified by Monroe County Emergency Room staff that a member of our staff, who was evaluated Monday afternoon, showed signs of exposure to elevated levels of carbon dioxide. Out of an abundance of caution, we believe it is best to transition to a virtual learning day on Tuesday for grades 7-12 while we bring in additional experts to conduct a more comprehensive evaluation of the building’s air quality.
School will continue as usual for our elementary students on Tuesday, and transportation for those students will run on the normal schedule.
We understand this situation has created uncertainty and concern, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work to ensure the continued safety of our students and staff.”