Bunsen Burners Were Being Used For Heat At Seymour High School

FILETwo teachers were using Bunsen burners to try to heat two classrooms at Seymour High School on Oct. 24. 

That’s according to a Seymour school district review of an incident on Oct. 24, where students reported spelling propane in the science wing.

Six students were taken to Griffin Hospital that day, after they reported feeling sick. 

The school was evacuated while the Seymour fire department investigated a possible propane leak. 

The district conducted a review of the incident, according to Richard Kearns, director of security for the district. 

The review found that Bunsen burners in two science classrooms were being used as a heat source on that day. Kearns said several” burners were turned on. The district was unable to determine how long they were turned on for. 

It appears that two teachers were disciplined, but those details were not available as of 1 p.m. Friday.

Neither Kearns nor Richard Belden, the assistant superintendent for finance and operations, would comment on the discipline. 

(Mascolo) handled it within the district,” Kearns said. I can’t say anything about staff or any discipline.”

Calls and an e‑mail were left Friday with Superintendent MaryAnne Mascolo seeking more information. 

The Seymour Police Department also conducted its own review of the incident. That investigation has been completed, Kearns said Friday.

However, Kearns said he didn’t have details about the police investigation. 

Calls seeking information about the police probe were left with department spokesman Lt. Paul Satkowski on Monday, Nov. 14 and again Friday morning.

This story will be updated if more details become available.

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