The school division planned to install a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) to improve airflow and overall air quality in the school, but that won’t be ready for a few more weeks, leaving some parents concerned.
It started in January, when a carbon monoxide leak at Covington Middle School forced the building to shut down for several weeks. But even after it reopened, reports of symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue persisted. Now a new report from the Environmental Integrity Project has named Covington’s paper mill among the nation’s top polluters in its industry.
School and health officials are addressing concerns about Covington Middle School just one day after parents filed a lawsuit regarding the school’s conditions. This lawsuit is the latest development in an ongoing controversy surrounding odors that parents claim are making students sick.
At 11 a.m., the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools division is scheduled to hold a press conference to provide an update regarding Covington Middle School.
In response to these concerns, a significant number of parents have filed a petition with the Virginia Board of Education, requesting the board to intervene and temporarily shut down Covington Middle School.
Two weeks after reopening, students at Covington Middle School reported an odor, causing some to relocate classrooms.
Covington Middle School announced that they had temporarily relocated some classrooms after an unusual odor was detected in Covington Middle School on Monday. The school does not believe the incident is a safety concern.
After just over a month of virtual learning, students at Covington Middle School will get to go back to in-person learning on Tuesday morning.
Following extensive safety evaluations and inspections, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools announced the reopening of Covington Middle School to in-person instruction.
Covington Middle School (CMS) will continue to have remote/virtual learning next week as the carbon monoxide investigation continues, according to school officials.
As VDH investigates carbon monoxide exposure at Covington Middle School, Healing Haven, a local wellness center, offers support to concerned parents.
Covington Middle School will remain closed on Monday following an evacuation last Friday.
Several schools in the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools division will be closed on Friday, March 22 due to a reoccurring plumbing issue at Alleghany High Schools.
Several schools in the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools division will remain closed on Thursday, March 14 as maintenance crews work to address sewage issues, according to school officials.
Class is back in session at Alleghany Highlands Public Schools after reports of a Covington Middle School student with weapons on Monday.
