Gas Leak Concerns Prompt Closure of San Mateo High School

By Bay City News Service:

San Mateo High School is closed this morning because of a possible gas leak on campus, authorities said.

The smell of gas was reported in several school buildings, including the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday evening, according to a joint statement by the San Mateo Union High School District and San Mateo police.

PG&E responded to the school, located at 506 N. Delaware St., and shut off gas service as a precaution, PG&E spokeswoman Jana Morris said.

With no available hot water or food service, all classes were canceled today. The district is investigating the source of the odor and has not yet located any gas leak.

All of the school’s 1,500 students and their parents were contacted by phone or email to inform them of the closure today.

“We are of course concerned whenever there is a trace of gas odor in the air, and wanted to take every precaution to ensure the safety of our students, teachers, staff and crews who are currently exploring any possible needed repair,” schools Superintendent Scott Laurence said.

Any gas leak is on the school’s campus so the school district is responsible for making the repairs before PG&E can restore gas service, Morris said.