An air conditioner leak Friday routed Wayland Middle School students when a non-toxic chemical odor was detected in the building.
School officials explained that the air conditioning system was activated for the first time this season, and during startup, one of the units broke, causing the leak. Students, teachers and staff were sent outdoors to the soccer field out of an abundance of caution, while the situation was evaluated by local emergency responders. Once it was determined that there was no safety risk, students returned to their classrooms.
“To help clear the odor, classroom doors have been closed and windows opened, and the fire department is assisting with ventilation throughout the building,” a spokesperson said. “We want to reassure families that at no time were students in danger.”
