News

Lowell High School closed third straight day due to gas leak

LOWELL, Mass. — Students at Lowell High School have missed three days of school this week after a gas leak forced them to evacuate.

The gas leak is the latest mechanical issue for the high school. This past winter, students and parents sent Boston 25 News video and phots of burst pipes and freezing temperatures inside classrooms.

>> PREVIOUS: Classes canceled at Lowell High School Wednesday amid ongoing heating issues

So far this year, students have missed 14 days of school; ten for snow, one for heating issues and three for the gas leak.

>> MORE: Heating repairs approved for Lowell High School

Boston 25 News went to the superintendent's office and city manager's office for comment on building safety and their plan to make up these school days. Both declined to comment beyond a news release they sent out Thursday:

"City officials, Lowell School Department officials, and representatives from Boston Mechanical, a private contractor met this afternoon, Thursday, April 12. Lead supervisor of Boston Mechanical updated City Manager Eileen Donoghue and Superintendent of Schools Salah Khelfaoui and other city and school staff members on the work conducted at the Lowell High School Riddick Fieldhouse.

The issues related to the gas heating units have been isolated to the Fieldhouse; gas to the ceiling heating units has been turned off. The entire system of rooftop gas heating units servicing the 1980 Lord Building passed a pressure test to a 5 lb. capacity and certified by the gas inspector. Representatives from Boston Mechanical will continue to repair the infrastructure involving the Fieldhouse ceiling units over the coming days.

The City of Lowell Fire Chief, Lowell Building Commissioner, Lands and Buildings, as well as National Grid have been involved with the work being performed at the high school to ensure compliance to regulations and safety."

Parents say they are fed up.

"At this point, it's become a joke. They can't take anything serious with all of this going on. Are we going to have school? Are we not going to have school?"