Rio Rancho Elementary School back open Thursday after gas leak

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x

Rio Rancho Elementary School back open Thursday after gas leak

Children at Rio Rancho Elementary are heading back to the classroom Thursday after district officials found a leak in the main gas line outside of the school.

RIO RANCHO, N.M. – Children at Rio Rancho Elementary School are heading back to the classroom Thursday after district officials found a leak in the main gas line outside of the school.

“The school itself is over 50 years old, and we thought that would be safer and more prudent. The contractors over the weekend had to cut concrete, dig ditches, remove the old pipe and install new pipe,” said Michael Baker, the Rio Rancho Public Schools’ chief operations officer. 

The work took longer than anticipated, but they are well on their way to make sure staff and students are safe when the first bell rings. 

“CID, State inspection they took a look at the work, and it passed inspection and just moments ago the New Mexico Gas Company they went out, and they passed the work that was done,” he said. 

Crews were out doing the final touches Wednesday afternoon and made sure areas where students will be walking are covered with plywood and all of the ditches are covered with soil.

“The facilities department will go into the school and turn on all the systems and begin to heat up the building. By this evening the buildings should be well heated, nice and comfortable upon the children’s return tomorrow (Thursday),” said Baker. 

While learning at home these past few days isn’t ideal, RRPS is working with the New Mexico Public Education Department to make sure all required instructional hours are complete.

“One of the few benefits of COVID and going through COVID is that school districts were able to come up with a system of learning at home. Although we know learning at home does not replace learning in the classroom, but it certainly better than not learning at all,” said Baker.