Oxford Prep's gas turned off
Author: Neil Nisperos , Staff Writer
The Chino Valley Unified School District will begin work to replace the pipe over winter break.
The district's school board recently approved an emergency request to San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools to award a no-bid, no advertising contract for the replacement work.
Cost to the district for the repair was not to exceed $35,000.
Oxford Prep is leasing a district school site, the former El Rancho Elementary School in Chino, for the next two years.
Sandra Chen, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district was informed of the leak on Wednesday and that the gas company had turned off gas to the campus. Chen said the district proposed it abandon trying to fix the damaged underground pipe because of projected difficulties actually finding the leak and the disruption that would cause.
"It is extremely difficult to track the exact location of the leak, and we would be basically digging up and making a lot of destructive testing on site and may not even find a leak," she said. "Therefore, staff is proposing to abandon the currently underground pipe and re-pipe the gas line above ground, taking advantage of the winter break."
Chen said she was told that the school itself has made provisions in providing portable heaters to the classrooms for students and staffers.
Chino Valley Unified officials said the district is prepared to provide the heaters this week.
District spokeswoman Julie Gobin said an electric water heater is also being installed to alleviate any issues Oxford Prep may have with meeting county health code regulations for kitchen operations at the site.
"The district is working expediently to address the issue," said Jason Watts, director of educational services at Oxford Prep. "All necessary parties are involved and we expect a quick resolve. The leak is in full control, as the district has the appropriate personnel on site to remedy the issue."
Officials said there was no danger to students.
Southern California Gas Company is working with Oxford Prep and district personnel to ensure all safety precautions are being taken.
"All necessary actions are being taken to continue to provide a safe environment for the students," Gobin said.
Sandra Chen, assistant superintendent of business services, said the district was informed of the leak on Wednesday and that the gas company had turned off gas to the campus. Chen said the district proposed it abandon trying to fix the damaged underground pipe because of projected difficulties actually finding the leak and the disruption that would cause.
"It is extremely difficult to track the exact location of the leak, and we would be basically digging up and making a lot of destructive testing on site and may not even find a leak," she said. "Therefore, staff is proposing to abandon the currently underground pipe and re-pipe the gas line above ground, taking advantage of the winter break."
Chen said she was told that the school itself has made provisions in providing portable heaters to the classrooms for students and staffers.
Chino Valley Unified officials said the district is prepared to provide the heaters this week.
District spokeswoman Julie Gobin said an electric water heater is also being installed to alleviate any issues Oxford Prep may have with meeting county health code regulations for kitchen operations at the site.
"The district is working expediently to address the issue," said Jason Watts, director of educational services at Oxford Prep. "All necessary parties are involved and we expect a quick resolve. The leak is in full control, as the district has the appropriate personnel on site to remedy the issue."
Officials said there was no danger to students.
Southern California Gas Company is working with Oxford Prep and district personnel to ensure all safety precautions are being taken.
"All necessary actions are being taken to continue to provide a safe environment for the students," Gobin said.
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