Auburn panel votes to seek DESE waiver after gas-scent evacuation closed high school
March 06, 2026 | Auburn Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
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The Auburn School Committee on March 4 authorized Superintendent Dr. Chamberlain to submit a waiver request to the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for a Feb. 10 school closure that followed an evacuation over a reported gas odor.
Dr. Chamberlain told the committee that following an extensive investigation by the fire department and the state hazmat team the district found no lingering hazard but closed Auburn High School on Feb. 10 to allow additional inspections. "We can either apply for a waiver for DESE to say students don't have to make up that day or we have to make up that day," Dr. Chamberlain said, noting DESE requires both 180 school days and 990 instructional hours. He added the district suspected the waiver might not be approved and that DESE has often recommended using scheduled vacation days instead.
Committee members discussed practical alternatives for meeting the statutory requirements, including converting a professional development half-day into a full instructional day, scheduling a make-up on March 20 or during April break, and the implications for seniors if a make-up date falls before or after graduation. One committee member noted that if a makeup falls after graduation, seniors typically are not required to attend.
After debate, the committee voted to have the superintendent file a DESE waiver and return to the committee with DESE's response. The motion to file the waiver passed by voice vote.
Dr. Chamberlain will pursue the waiver and investigate additional schedule options with town and union officials if the waiver is denied.
Dr. Chamberlain told the committee that following an extensive investigation by the fire department and the state hazmat team the district found no lingering hazard but closed Auburn High School on Feb. 10 to allow additional inspections. "We can either apply for a waiver for DESE to say students don't have to make up that day or we have to make up that day," Dr. Chamberlain said, noting DESE requires both 180 school days and 990 instructional hours. He added the district suspected the waiver might not be approved and that DESE has often recommended using scheduled vacation days instead.
Committee members discussed practical alternatives for meeting the statutory requirements, including converting a professional development half-day into a full instructional day, scheduling a make-up on March 20 or during April break, and the implications for seniors if a make-up date falls before or after graduation. One committee member noted that if a makeup falls after graduation, seniors typically are not required to attend.
After debate, the committee voted to have the superintendent file a DESE waiver and return to the committee with DESE's response. The motion to file the waiver passed by voice vote.
Dr. Chamberlain will pursue the waiver and investigate additional schedule options with town and union officials if the waiver is denied.
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