Students at Madonna Catholic Regional School in Monongahela were evacuated to the church after a member of the school’s maintenance staff discovered an electrical issue around 9:15 this morning. A faulty breaker caused a strong odor. The staff member immediately notified school administration and precautions were taken before the odor was detectable outside of the basement area. The local fire station was called in to evaluate the situation.
Parents were notified and students followed a dismissal protocol from the church to return home safely.
“Our faculty, staff and students swiftly and diligently followed our school emergency procedure and evacuated to the church where we were able to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all,” said principal Kathryn Miller in a note to parents. “This breaker is being replaced this afternoon and we anticipate that school will reopen tomorrow morning at the regular time. I want to thank the students, faculty, staff and parents for their understanding and outstanding cooperation in this situation. Once again, I am so proud of the Madonna Catholic community and feel blessed to be your principal.”