The city of Maypearl confirmed to WFAA that police and the fire chief ordered the school to close due to air quality concerns.
MAYPEARL, Texas — Some parents in Maypearl are frustrated and demanding answers after Maypearl Primary School was abruptly closed last week due to air quality concerns.
Chase Edwards has a seven-year-old enrolled at the school. “I think there are a lot of pissed-off parents, just number one, that it took so long to come to this,” Edward said.
The city of Maypearl confirmed to WFAA that police and the fire chief ordered the school to close due to air quality concerns.
An email from the district, sent on March 4, stated that elevated carbon dioxide levels were the reason for the closure. The district stated that it would work on HVAC system repairs before reopening.
According to a pediatrician in Dallas, exposure to high levels of carbon dioxide can cause headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Edwards said his son began experiencing symptoms as early as August.
“He was having headaches all the time, probably at least two or three times a week, where he was going to the nurse,” said Edwards.
Edwards said his son is not returning to the school.
The superintendent told WFAA in a statement that air quality tests began in November, showing high carbon dioxide levels. They received recommendations and completed them. The superintendent said in the statement, that retesting was done in February, and carbon dioxide levels were still elevated, ultimately leading to the closure in March.
An email sent to parents on March 11 stated that new tests confirmed the air was safe and students could return.
The Maypearl ISD school board is holding a special meeting on Wednesday evening.
“I think there will be a lot of angry parents,” said Edwards.
