Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk’s High School classes were cancelled again today after an odor problem returned to the high school.
The odor was the result of an encapsulation process that began on Monday to address the long-term odor problems according to school superintendent Vicki Wright.
According to contractors, Tuesday’s odor was the result of a dig more than two feet into the soil beneath the school and striking an area of yeast. Due to soil concentrations, the fungicide was not able to permeate that far into the ground.
Seven students and two faculty members were evaluated Tuesday by the school nurse. One of those students was transported to the hospital for further evaluation by Ravena Rescue Squad.
Faculty and staff reported to work as scheduled.
High School students will be required to report to school on Friday – a superintendent’s conference day. Classes will remain cancelled on Friday for all other district students.
Contractors started work this week on the basement encapsulation project to remedy the odor problem that has been plaguing the school for more than a year. The odor is caused by yeast fermenting in the crawl space beneath the school.
The process will involve covering the floor and walls with a membrane and matting to keep water and yeast out.
Additionally, sediment has been removed from the space and sump pumps were installed beneath the matting and outside the encapsulated area to keep water levels low.
We appreciate the diligence of all involved and the continued patience of our community as work to address this longstanding problem is completed, Wright said.
The work is expected to be complete by this weekend.“