(Avoca) Classes were canceled at AHSTW Schools today because of an overheated air handling unit.
Schools Superintendent Darin Jones says on Tuesday evening around 9:00 PM, he received a phone call indicating the fire alarm system was sounding and that staff members saw smoke in the PK-TK-K pod. This led to fire units being dispatched from both Avoca and Walnut.
Once on scene, it was determined that a rooftop air handling unit appeared to have overheated and ignited filters in the unit, causing smoke to move through the early childhood pod. The smoke also left soot on tables, chairs, and other classroom items in multiple classrooms.
ServiceMaster arrived late Tuesday evening or early morning Wednesday to assess the facility and determine the necessary actions needed to appropriately clean and improve the overall air quality of the elementary section of the building.
The school was called off to allow ServiceMaster the opportunity to complete a deep clean of classrooms and air ducts for a safe return. Jones says the positive in this event is that there is no structural or water damage to the facility, classroom furniture, and materials in classrooms.
All after-school activities for March 29, 2023, will be able to continue as scheduled. He anticipates returning to school regularly on Thursday, March 30, 2023 but will share an update later this afternoon to confirm our Thursday schedule.
