Student Safety Announcement

Dear Parents & Guardians,

As student safety is and always has been a top priority for us in the MUSD, I want to assure you that I have been in continuous communication with the MRC, County Health, and the MPD throughout the incident at the refinery yesterday and today. In response to the MRC fire and the subsequent shelter-in-place advisory for homes in the LJE, MPE, and JME areas last evening, we have taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

First and foremost, in all four elementary schools, we now have the capability to place the HVAC system into “SHELTER” mode, remotely, which means with a touch of button we close off air from the outside coming into the facilities.  Our Coordinator of Maintenance and Operations, Jared Ruddell, initiated this change to our system yesterday when the Community Warning System to "Shelter in Place" was initiated.

Our next step, not mandated but done in an abundance of caution, and in collaboration with MRC, was to arrange for a thorough cleaning of the outdoor areas at schools in the affected region, as well as those on the border of the impacted area, specifically, MJHS and VMHS. This cleaning will involve exterior power washing and the application of an antibacterial cleaner to address any residual matter that may have been deposited on surfaces due to the fire and sort of release that may have come with it.

This cleaning will be completed today, ensuring that all campuses are ready and safe for students tomorrow.  As there is still a community Health Advisory in Effect today, and I do not know when it will be lifted, the Multi Use Room and or Commons (AHS) will be open at each site in the morning and the library at lunch for those who experience respiratory sensitivity,until the advisory is lifted.  I want to thank you for your continued trust in our efforts to safeguard the well-being of our school community, and as always please feel free to reach out to your site principal if you have any questions regarding your individual child’s needs.

Sincerely,
Helen Rossi
Superintendent
MUSD

For those of you who have not signed up for the Community Warning System from the County please go to Contra Costa County Community Warning System to register.