KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — UPDATE (10:39 p.m.): Bearden Middle School will be closed on Friday, Aug. 11, according to Knox County Schools.
They made the decision after students were dismissed early Thursday due to an odor from the auditorium.
KCS said although they did test the air outside the auditorium and felt the air quality was not harmful, "a trace of odor remains and could provide a distraction to staff and students."
Below is a statement from Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk addressing Bearden's closing.
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Bearden Middle School is dismissing at 1 p.m. on Thursday due to an odor, Knox County Schools said in a letter sent to parents.
The odor came from work in the auditorium, according to KCS.
KCS says maintenance crews have been working hard to mitigate the issue, however, the odor has continued.
Students are being evacuated and dismissed early as a precaution, according to KCS.
Lunch will be provided and buses will run their normal routes taking students home. Car riders will be picked up at their normal location, KCS said.