North Texas School Closed Due to High Carbon Dioxide Levels.
MAYPEARL, Texas – A North Texas elementary school was forced to close after multiple air quality tests revealed elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels and other hazardous conditions inside the building.
The Maypearl Fire Department shut down Maypearl Primary School in Ellis County, about 40 miles south of Dallas, citing safety concerns for students and staff. The closure follows months of complaints from parents, who reported their children feeling sick.
What We Know
📌 High CO2 Levels Since December
State records show that air quality issues inside the school date back to December 2024, around the same time parents first raised concerns.
📌 Recent Air Quality Test Findings
🛑 Elevated carbon dioxide levels
🛑 Water leaks
🛑 Dust buildup and clutter
🛑 Potential respiratory and allergy triggers
📌 Health Risks of CO2 Exposure
🚨 Symptoms include:
✔️ Headaches
✔️ Dizziness
✔️ Respiratory issues
Parents Demand Answers
Some parents believe poor air quality inside the school has made their children sick. Rachel Girard, whose daughter attended Maypearl Primary School, says she is pulling her child out permanently.
“I would like to see a resolution that’s permanent.” — Rachel Girard, Parent
Girard said it was a tough choice to remove her daughter from a school where she loves her friends but felt it was her duty as a parent to prioritize safety.
“Unfortunately, I feel like that’s my duty as a parent to step in and make that decision for her because she cannot make it on her own.”
Maypearl ISD’s Response
Maypearl ISD Superintendent Ritchy Bowling declined an interview but released a letter to parents, stating that the district is actively working with HVAC engineers to resolve the issue.
✅ Repairs include:
🔧 Connecting motorized outside air dampers to air handling units (AHU)
🔧 Installing larger exhaust fans in restrooms to improve ventilation
🔧 Bringing the facility up to current building codes
“We recognize the stress and inconvenience caused by this unexpected school closure and want to assure you that your children’s safety is our highest priority.” — Maypearl ISD Statement
Maypearl Police Chief John Shelton, who also serves as Emergency Management Coordinator, supports the fire chief’s decision to close the school, emphasizing the need for safety.
What’s Next?
Maypearl ISD expects repairs to be completed by Friday, allowing students to return to class. However, some parents remain skeptical and demand long-term solutions to prevent future air quality issues.
This developing story raises concerns about school facility maintenance and the health risks of poor indoor air quality for students.
What do you think? Should parents trust the repairs or demand more action? Let us know in the comments! 👇