4:00 p.m.
The issue at Bell Top which forced an evacuation earlier in the day has been resolved. National Grid repaired a ruptured pipe at the regulating station on Reynolds Road and they confirmed that the odor was caused by Mercaptan, a harmless and non-toxic substance that is used to give natural gas a smell. The odor was caused by the Mercaptan, and at no time was there a natural gas leak in Bell Top Elementary School.
Now that the issue has been resolved, Bell Top will be open for school on Friday, January 19.
Thank you to our staff at Bell Top, Genet and our district’s safety team for facilitating a successful evacuation. And thank you to the DeFreestville Fire Department, National Grid and Rensselaer County Public Safety for responding.
Student health and safety is our highest priority. Thank you for your cooperation and support during the evacuation.
2:30 p.m.
Bell Top students will be brought home from Genet Elementary School by school bus when they are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. Please do not be concerned if your children arrive home a little later than normal since they are coming from Genet. If you have any questions, please call the Transportation Department at 518-477-9288.
12:25 p.m.
Bell Top Elementary School is being evacuated as a precaution due to an odor in the building related to an issue at the substation on Reynolds Road. All students are being transported by school bus, and accompanied by teachers and staff, to Genet Elementary School.
The fire department, National Grid and Rensselaer County Public Safety are at Bell Top and have confirmed that there are no natural gas leaks in the building. There is a smell of odorant but it is not harmful to students or staff.
Parents or emergency contacts who wish to pick up their children ahead of dismissal may do so at Genet Elementary School. They must have a valid photo ID and emergency contacts must be on the pre-approved list. Students who are not picked up early or at normal dismissal time of 3:30 p.m. from Genet, will be brought home by bus.
Bell Top’s GCC will be held at Genet today.