Box Elder, S.D. – On Tuesday afternoon, Douglas High School initiated an early dismissal after officials detected a potential gas leak on campus. The school district acted quickly, moving students and staff to the school stadium as a precaution while maintenance crews investigated the source of the odor.
Gas service shut off, no ongoing threat
District engineers confirmed that the gas supply to the high school was shut off within minutes of the report. “There is no safety threat to other school buildings or the surrounding community,” the district said in a statement released to local media. The shutdown appears to have contained the issue, and no further evacuations were ordered.
Dismissal procedures for students and families
Students who arrived at the high school by car or on foot were instructed to leave the premises on their own. Those who rely on school buses were told to remain at Douglas Middle School until transportation could be arranged. Parents picking up their children were directed to Vandenberg Elementary School, located at 561 Briggs Street, where staff will assist with reunifications.
The early dismissal applied only to Douglas High School. All other schools in the Douglas School District, including the middle school and elementary campuses, continued normal operations.
What parents need to know
Parents are encouraged to monitor the district’s website and social media channels for any updates. The district has pledged to keep the community informed as the situation develops and to provide a timeline for when normal class schedules will resume.
While the incident caused a brief disruption, officials emphasized that the swift response helped ensure the safety of students, staff and nearby residents. The district plans to conduct a thorough review of its emergency protocols to confirm that procedures remain effective for any future incidents.
Community response
Local residents expressed relief that the situation was contained quickly. “We’re grateful for the district’s rapid action and clear communication,” said one parent who picked up her child at Vandenberg Elementary. The community’s cooperation helped make the evacuation orderly and minimized panic.
School officials will hold a brief meeting for parents later this week to discuss the incident, answer questions and outline any additional safety measures that may be implemented.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
