HVAC leak caused early dismissal at Princeton High School

Coolant leaked from an HVAC system at Princeton High School Tuesday morning, causing strong odors that prompted school district officials to send students home early.

A strong odor was detected in the performing arts center. Facilities staff identified the source and removed the leaked coolant, but the smell lingered in some areas, including the science wing, the performing arts center, and the gym.

As a precaution, district officials dismissed students just after 12:30 p.m.

School officials notified the New Jersey Department of Health about the leak. The building was declared safe, and ventilation was increased throughout the afternoon to eliminate the odor.

In a follow-up email to parents Tuesday afternoon, Princeton High School Principal Cecilia Birge said officials from Princeton’s Office of Emergency Management confirmed there were no remaining issues related to the HVAC system leak.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection was also contacted about the leak, and contractors were on-site to deep clean the school.

Next week, voters in Princeton will decide whether to approve a bond referendum to fund the replacement of HVAC systems at the high school. They will also weigh in on other improvements to the district’s six schools.

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Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.