Frechette Denies He Dismissed Gas Leak Problem

In a phone interview Tuesday morning, Superintendent of Schools Michael Frechette calls into question Middletown Fire Chief Gary Oulette's claim that the superintendent dismissed concerns about a gas leak at Keigwin Middle School on January 19.

"I called the chief.  We met.  I called the Director of Facilities Ken Jackson and the principal and we met to discuss the situation,"  Frechette said.  "If you call that dismissing the problem, I'm puzzled."

Frechette called Keigwin principal Tracey Goff's decision to keep students inside the school as the gas leak was mitigated, a "judgment call."  He said the principal considered the leak minor because the source of the problem was discovered immediately, and the gas was shut down.

As a result of the incident, Frechette said that safety procedures have been reviewed, and that a discussion will occur at the next Board of Education meeting regarding next steps.

Mayor Sebastian Giuliano and Frechette have not met, as yet, to discuss the issue.