UPDATE: 8/23 1:15pm

Dear Parents and Community Members,

Greene County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health officials have evaluated and performed additional tests at the elementary and middle school campus again this morning. The tests are all negative for any hazardous air quality issues, as did previous testing. At this time, the campus will remained closed until re-testing is performed Sunday morning. Eastern Greene Elementary and Middle School administration will release a statement on Sunday, August 25 as soon as officials have made a decision to update our community on testing.

Social media can be a very positive networking tool. Let’s work together on making sure that information we share is accurate.

Eastern Greene Elementary and Middle School

Updated Press Release: 8/23 9:30am

Dear Parents and Community Members,
Center-Jackson Fire Territory and several other agencies, including the State Fire Marshall, responded to the Eastern Greene Middle School for a possible air quality issue on Thursday, August 22nd shortly before afternoon dismissal. This incident was discovered in one room and confined to a small area. The school immediately took action to prevent spreading to other areas. Five people were transported to local hospitals for precautionary evaluation. School officials have confirmed everyone was released from the hospital. Eastern Greene School administration contacted students and parents that were in the immediate area. During the initial investigation, no noticeable items of concern were located. On site tests were performed by skilled responders and nothing was located to cause alarm. Eastern Greene Schools, Greene County Health Department, Greene County Emergency Management Agency, and Indiana Department of Environmental Management have requested additional tests to be performed to ensure the school is safe when students are able to return. These are precautionary measures at this time. As always, Eastern Greene Schools keeps our students, staff, and community’s safety a top priority.

Patrick Ault
Principal
Eastern Greene Middle School

UPDATE at 8 a.m. from Center-Jackson Fire Chief Jeremy Inman:

“Center-Jackson Fire Territory and several other agencies responded to the Eastern Greene Middle School at 2:48 pm on August 22nd 2019 for a possible chemical leak/spill. A total of 5 pts were transported to local hospitals for evaluation. All patients had complaints of minor upper airway irritation. To our knowledge everyone has been released from the hospital. This incident was confined to a small area and the school took quick action to prevent spreading to others parts of the school. Eastern Greene School staff did contact students and parents that were in the immediate area. During the initial investigation no noticeable items were located that was spilt or leaking. On site test were performed by skilled responders and nothing was located to cause alarm. The school and Greene County Health Department has requested additional test to be performed to make sure the school is safe when the students return. These are precautionary measures at this time.”

Eastern Greene Schools are closed today, Friday, August 23, and will remain closed until testing is completed and safety is insured following a incident at Eastern Greene Middle School Thursday.

Late Thursday night, Center-Jackson Fire Chief Jeremy Inman said officials were not able to share details at that time but he also said, “If your child is showing any signs of sickness please seek medical attention.” An unknown number of individuals were transported to the hospital for treatment or observation on Thursday. Inman also cautioned against believing false and misleading information posted to social media.

Greene County Emergency Management information released late Thursday night

Also late Thursday night, August 22, the following information was released by Greene County Emergency Management Director Roger Axe:

“The Hazardous Materials incident continues at Eastern Greene Middle School. As of yet, the Greene County Health Department, the State Fire Marshall’s Office and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management have not determined the cause of this incident. Tests are being performed. We will keep you updated.

“Because this is of the utmost importance, the school has been closed for Friday, August 23 and remains closed until further notice.

“Since authorities are not sure of the cause of this incident, we are telling all persons not to come to the school. The school will remain closed until it is determined the school is safe.

“Parents, students, and staff are to stay away from the school until further notice.”

Center-Jackson Fire information released late Thursday night

Center-Jackson would like to express a big thank you to the following:
Van Buren Fire
Eastern Fire
Northern Monroe Fire Territory
Monroe Fire District
Greene County Ambulance
AMR Ambulance
Indiana State Police
Indiana State Fire Marshall
Indiana State Emergency Response
Eastern Greene Schools
Greene County EMA
Greene County Health Dept
Grips Pizza
Hoosier Momma Pizza

“We can’t release much information but we do want to express don’t believe everything you read on social media. There was a LOT of wrong misleading information being shared on social media.”