ELKINS – Officials have announced that Elkins Middle School will be closed on Friday, due to air quality issues which some parents believe led to some EMS students becoming ill.

At about 8:15 p.m., Randolph County Schools posted the following to social media:

“Subject: Elkins Middle School Closure Notice for Friday, October 25, 2024

“Dear Parents and Guardians,

“Due to water issues and air quality concerns, Randolph County Schools will be closing Elkins Middle School tomorrow, Friday, October 25, 2024. We are working closely with local authorities to address these matters and ensure all systems function safely.

“Please be assured that Elkins Middle School has undergone two separate inspections, and no excessive levels of carbon monoxide have been detected. We will continue collaborating with the State Fire Marshal, local fire department, emergency management, and air quality experts to maintain a safe environment for our students.

“Thank you for your understanding and support as we prioritize the safety of our school community.

“Sincerely, Randolph County Schools.”

School officials have acknowledged that “fumes” from “a bucket of non-toxic glue” caused an odor at Elkins Middle School today that some parents are blaming for making their children ill.

The Inter-Mountain received calls and texts this afternoon from residents about EMS students becoming ill and being treated at Davis Medical Center.

A parent of two EMS students posted on social media at about 4 p.m. that “we now sit in the ER and they will be staying overnight … they got blood taken and were exposed to carbon monoxide … they have levels in their body where they now need to stay overnight … if your child was in the middle school today, idk what to tell you, but don’t hesitate to bring your kids to the ER.”

The school system said this afternoon the glue was being used by “roofing contractors” at EMS.

At 4:55 p.m., Dr. Shawn Dilly, superintendent of Randolph County Schools, posted the following statement on social media:

“An Update for EMS Families:

“We want to address recent concerns about carbon monoxide at Elkins Middle School. Please rest assured that the school is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors throughout the HVAC system, providing continuous safety monitoring.

“As a precaution, the fire department and gas company conducted thorough inspections of the building, and we are pleased to report that no elevated carbon monoxide levels were detected. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.

“We encourage families to seek medical attention if their children are experiencing any symptoms. Additionally, we recommend checking your home for elevated levels as an extra safety measure.

“Thank you for your continued support and attention to this matter.

“Sincerely, Randolph County Schools.”

Earlier, at 4:29 p.m., Dilly posted:

“Elkins Middle School Families:

“We want to inform you about an incident involving our roofing contractors that occurred today at Elkins Middle School. A bucket of non-toxic glue was placed near a fresh air intake, generating fumes that generated an odor in a portion of the school.

“To address the situation promptly, we shut off the intake, opened windows and doors for ventilation, and relocated some students to minimize the impact. Please rest assured that our students and staff’s safety and well-being are always our top priority, and we took these steps to ensure a safe environment.

“We appreciate your understanding and patience as we continue with our roofing project. We will remain vigilant to prevent similar issues in the future. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office.

“Respectfully, Dr. Shawn Dilly, Superintendent.”