Report Reveals Names, Punishment In Seymour High Propane Incident

Two science teachers did not promptly admit they were using Bunsen burners to heat their classrooms Oct. 24, according to an internal investigation by administrators at Seymour High School.

Their actions caused six students who said the propane odor made them feel ill to be sent to the Griffin Hospital emergency room. 

A seventh student went to the emergency room later in the day. 

Click here to read the Valley Indy’s report from the day of the emergency.

In addition, since the teachers did not initially admit what they had done, authorities thought the school had a major propane leak.

The school was evacuated — and one student with special needs had to be carried out — as firefighters tried to figure out what was happening.

Seymour police told the Valley Indy last month that the teachers would not face criminal charges.

See the video below for a look at what it was like at the school the day of the incident.

Suspensions, Pay Docked

The school’s investigative report, which was obtained by the Valley Indy through a Freedom of Information request, shows that students played a key role in telling police and administrators what happened.

While the teachers initially said they were using Bunsen burners for routine science experiments, 27 students interviewed as part of the investigation said the two teachers were using the Bunsen burners for heat in two separate classes.

One student took a photo, according to the investigative report, which showed one burner with a flame 8‑to-10 inches in the air.

Bunsen burners, which have been used to heat high school science class experiments for time immemorial, are usually used much more conservatively — and for short periods of time.

The report does not indicate precisely how long the teachers had the Bunsen burners blazing, but it does state the entire science wing reeked of propane.

The documents also show that the two science teachers — Anthony Ciccone and Kurt Zeppetello — were suspended without pay as punishment for misusing the Bunsen burners.

Ciccone was suspended for four days, Zeppetello for three. Both suspensions have already been served.

The report does not specifically state why Ciccone received a longer suspension.

History Of Misuse

In letters to Ciccone and Zeppetello admonishing the teachers for their actions, schools Superintendent MaryAnne Mascolo indicates the Oct. 24 incident wasn’t the first time Bunsen burners had been used foolishly in the school.

It appears this has been an on-going practice,” Mascolo wrote.

Each time high school administrators received a report of a gas odor, school officials called in a gas company to inspect the service — but could never find anything wrong.

In separate disciplinary letters, Mascolo chastised both teachers for not immediately telling the truth and wasting the time and resources of the school, police, fire and EMS, among others.

The most disturbing factor of this whole incident was the fact that if you had been forthright and shared the information … much of what occurred could have been prevented,” she said.

Finally, the report takes into consideration the two teachers had not been in trouble before — and that they eventually admitted to making a stupid mistake.”

Mascolo indicates both teachers should call the high school’s main office the next time they’re feeling chilly.

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