Students at the Denver City high school and junior high received an unexpected early release from their respective campuses on Wednesday afternoon when a safety drill alarm was sounded on each campus. The alarm sounded on both campuses around 2:30PM.
Clint Williamson, Manager of the Occidental Permian Basin Strategic Affairs released the following statement following the mass exodus…
“This afternoon, Occidental received a report of an odor near Denver City High School and William Gravitt Junior High. We determined the source was coming from a well where we were conducting maintenance activities. Our personnel walked through the schools and determined there was no danger to students, teachers, administrators and other personnel. We apologize for the inconvenience and are committed to the health and safety of the Denver City community.”
High School Principal Rick Martinez also released this following statement: “Our air conditioning units pull air from the outside and a bad smell from outside entered the building leaving many of our faculty members concerned that we might have a gas leak inside the building. All outside areas surrounding the school facilities were checked and are safe. We will resume class tomorrow at the regular time.”
The high school students and faculty were directed to the home side of Mustang Football Stadium. When they were joined by the junior high students they all walked across the street and took shelter inside The Dag.
“Thank you all for the great work today,” Martinez concluded. “I am very grateful to be a part of your team and to know the kids are always in great hands. Today was our first safety drill and it went great. Thank you all for your patience, understanding, leadership, hard work, and love for kids.”
