[Garfield RE-2 School District Press Release]
RIFLE, CO – The Garfield Re-2 School District and Rifle Fire Protection District
continue to investigate the events of Thursday, September 1, 2011 at Graham Mesa
Elementary.
Measures that have been taken thus far include:
• On September 1, Garfield Re-2 maintenance staff conducted inspections of all
areas of the school for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and natural gas;
• Rifle Fire Protection District used their resources to inspect all areas of the school
for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and natural gas;
• Xcel Energy brought in equipment to inspect for carbon monoxide, carbon
dioxide and natural gas;
• No elevated levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide or natural gas were found;
• The mechanical engineers who designed the Graham Mesa Elementary
mechanical systems inspected the system to insure that the systems are
functioning normally. All systems are functioning normally.;
• The evening of September 1, the mechanical systems at Graham Mesa were left in
normal operational mode for the night so that Garfield Re-2 and Rifle Fire
Protection District teams could evaluate the building first thing in the morning of
September 2. Rifle Fire Protection District brought in highly sensitive equipment
to evaluate the air for compounds. Nothing was found;
Garfield School District No. Re-2
Media Release
• On September 2, Walsh Environmental began an analysis of the building. They
will be evaluating both mechanical systems as well as conducting a
comprehensive analysis of the Graham Mesa Elementary environment. Their final
report is expected at the end of next week;
• Rifle Fire Protection District has completed interviews with area farmers to
determine if there were any spraying operations going on at the time. To date no
spraying operations have been identified in the area of Graham Mesa Elementary.
The Garfield Re-2 School District, and all of our community partners, are committed to
insuring the health, safety and wellness of our students and staff. During this time of
investigation classes will be held at alternate locations beginning Wednesday, September
7.
There will be no school for Graham Mesa Elementary students on Tuesday, September 6,
2011. Staff will report for work at the District Office to prepare for the remainder of the
week.
Classes for first through fourth graders will resume for Graham Mesa students on
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 with first and second grade students attending Highland
Elementary with their teachers and third and fourth grade students attending Wamsley
Elementary with their teachers. Due to the increased requirements for early childhood
classrooms, pre-school and kindergarten classes will not be held.
Additional information regarding transportation, parent pick-up and drop off procedures,
and other logistics will be provided to parents on Tuesday, September 6.
The Garfield Re-2 School District would like to express our sincere appreciation to the
Rifle Fire Protection District, Walsh Environmental, Garfield County Public Health and
Environment, Grand River Hospital District, Valley View Hospital and the staff and
parents of Garfield Re-2 School District for their flexibility.
