Henderson on gas leak: ‘changes’ needed
Janitor fired then charged in HVA incident
HARDIN VALLEY — An allegedly intentional gas leak quickly led to criminal charges filed against a fired contract janitor at Hardin Valley Academy (see related story).
Jay Riley Kostermans, 23, was arrested and charged with felony reckless endangerment by Knox County Sheriff’s Office following the Wednesday night, March 29, incident in which he allegedly intentionally turned on two gas valves in the school’s chemistry lab “out of anger over a dispute with his mother,” according to KCSO documentation. The open gas valves were on all night at HVA before being discovered early the following morning, Thursday, March 30.
However, students remained in school for part of that Thursday before being dismissed.
Reports indicate Kostermans was employed by Duncan and Sons building maintenance, but has since been terminated by that company.
KCS reaction
Knox County Schools superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk announced late Monday an internal review would be conducted into the incident to examine actions taken by school and district leaders, as well as reviewing related protocols and procedures going forward.
According to a press release from Knox County Schools’ chief of communications Carly Harrington, both KCS and KCSO “worked together … (to) quickly address a serious safety concern that emerged following an investigation.
“On Thursday morning, HVA staff became aware of a gas valve that had been running in one of the science labs overnight resulting in a strong smell in the hallways,” the release further stated. “Fans were set up and doors opened to ventilate the area while KCS Maintenance and Emergency personnel worked to resolve the issue.
“Following the mitigation of the gas fumes, the district received information suggesting that there may have been an additional safety risk associated with the situation and took precautionary measures to evacuate and dismiss school early. The school building was cleared by law enforcement personnel and school (was scheduled to) return to normal operations on Friday.”
In a separate interview, Harrington said, “A principal (Dr. Rob Speas is HVA principal) may request an early dismissal, but the superintendent makes the final decision. In this case, because the district learned of an additional safety concern, the superintendent made the decision to dismiss HVA early.”
“Having a safe school environment is my No. 1 priority to ensure effective teaching and learning,” Rysewyk stated in a KCS release.
“I am thankful for the strong partnership that we have with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies and grateful to the KCS staff for their immediate actions to keep students, staff and families safe,” the superintendent added.
