KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Hardin Valley Academy was evacuated Thursday afternoon after Knox County Schools said there were reports of an odor. By 2 p.m. the school was cleared and operations returned to normal, according to KCS.
A spokesperson said the school was evacuated as a precaution while maintenance workers and crews with the Knoxville Utilities Board went through the building. KUB said there was no gas leak in its system, but crews worked with school personnel to identify issues in the building.
WBIR reached out to KCS on Thursday for more information about the odor. A statement about the odor is available below.
“There was a reported smell of gas late this morning after a class used a science lab. While all safety protocols were properly followed, there was a lingering odor. As a precaution, the school was evacuated while KCS Maintenance and KUB assessed the situation. They determined the building to be safe for students and staff to return.”