Students to return to Old Center Elementary after natural gas issue

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Old Center Elementary School students are set to return to their original campus after being relocated due to natural gas discovery.

Last Tuesday, a contractor opened a methane gas pocket on campus, forcing students to evacuate and attend educational activities at Goodlettsville Elementary.

School officials report students can now return after the Nashville Fire Department determined it is safe for them to do so following testing throughout the weekend.

“There is no longer methane gas being released from the geothermal well,” a Metro Nashville Public Schools spokesperson said.

Students and staff will return to Old Center Elementary School on Tuesday, Sep. 19.

Mary Cawthon often takes her granddaughter to Goodlettsville Elementary, and during this relocation, has been getting to school earlier to beat the long pickup and drop-off lines. She was pleased MNPS made this move out of an abundance of caution.

“Well it was for the safety of the kids, you know they come first. We have to watch out for them. I guess it’s a good opportunity for the kids to make new friends,” Cawthon said.

“We appreciate the understanding and patience of the students, staff, and families at both Old Center and Goodlettsville Elementary while this situation was resolved,” MNPS said.

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