Students at Jose J. Alderete Middle School and Canutillo Elementary School spent part of their day outside on Wednesday after staff reported a strong smell of natural gas, according to the district. Maintenance crews checked the campus buildings and reported no leak, but school officials asked the gas company to come in and double-check the lines as a precaution. Classes were put on hold during the checks, and the district said students will head back into classrooms once the all-clear is given.
As reported by KVIA, the district posted on Instagram that "CISD maintenance staff did not detect a gas leak; however, for safety reasons, gas officials have been requested to double-check the lines." KVIA also reported that Texas Gas crews were on campus investigating the odor.
Gas company response and safety steps
Texas Gas Service, which serves Canutillo and parts of El Paso County, sends crews to investigate reports of gas odors and advises people to leave the area immediately, then call 911 and its emergency line at 800-959-5325. The utility instructs residents not to use phones, flip light switches, or start vehicles near a suspected leak, and to wait at a safe distance until trained technicians clear the scene.
District messaging and what parents were told
Canutillo ISD told families on social media that "all students are safe and will return to class once the area is cleared by the gas company," according to KVIA. Officials urged parents to follow district communication channels for updates and stressed that the halt in classes was a precaution while the utility completed its inspection.
What to expect next
If crews confirm there is no leak, students are typically escorted back inside and classes resume. If a problem is found, repairs and follow-up safety checks can keep students outside longer. For any immediate safety concerns, Texas Gas Service advises calling its emergency number from a safe location and following instructions from school staff and emergency personnel.
