Photo: Getty Images
The Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School is set to reopen on Wednesday (January 22) after being closed for nearly two weeks due to a carbon monoxide leak. The closure followed an incident where high levels of carbon monoxide were detected, leading to the hospitalization of five individuals and the death of a staff member, Brian Deforge.
The leak was traced back to a food warmer in the school's kitchen. The school was required to close until carbon monoxide detectors were installed and safety inspections were completed. According to Spectrum News, the school has now installed a new hardwired and monitored carbon monoxide detection system and reinspected its kitchen equipment, ventilation, and fire alarm systems.
Parents and guardians are invited to visit the school on Tuesday (January 21) to review the completed safety measures and certifications. The school has been providing online instruction during the closure and will resume in-person classes on Wednesday.
The Syracuse Police Department is investigating Deforge’s death, and no official cause of death has been released. Syracuse.com reports that some believe the school failed to detect carbon monoxide levels for some time, potentially contributing to Deforge's death.