My comments today are in regards to the editorial stated by channel 23 in the circumstances of El Tejon School being closed on Tuesday, February 22, 2005.

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At approximately 5:15 a.m. the El Tejon School Unified School District called a two-hour delay in starting school due to weather conditions. This meant that school would start at approximately 10:15 a.m.

Meanwhile a small stream of water was flowing through a small part of the El Tejon School, located on the southwestern part of the campus. The flow of water was about one and a half inches deep and was passing over the black top near and around some portable classrooms. Some water had puddle in an area and leaked into two classrooms.

This problem of water flow came from a break in the levy along the streambed. Our plan was to back fill the break and divert the flow of water back to the original streambed. This would stop all water flowing into the school campus. We felt this could be completed before students attended school. We made alternative plans for student instruction on the campus, outside of water flow areas.

At 9:30 a.m. while students were on the buses in transit to school, the Sheriff Department called on behalf of the Highway Patrol and asked us to evacuate the school because of a large boulder across from the school, above the I-5 freeway. My immediate response to the Sheriff Department was that we would do so.

Meanwhile the Kern County Fire Department was helping fill the break in the levy south of the school area. There was no communication from the fire captain to any school personnel about suggestions of closing school.

At approximately 10:40 a.m. students arrived on campus in buses, but were not released from the buses due to safety issues. They were allowed to use restrooms if needed. At this time the school personnel was calling parents, notifying them that students would be returning home. Most students who attend the El Tejon School come by either bus or some form of road transportation.

At approximately 11:30a.m. buses left the campus to return students home after the phone list had been completed.

Later that day the break in the levy was back filled thanks to the Kern County Fire Department. The flow of water was diverted from the school campus, and only two classrooms had seepage requiring minimal clean up. Those classrooms were cleaned and prepared for use the next day.

A student was interviewed by the news media; however, the student was the son of a staff member on campus and should have not been in the area of the water. It was not our intent to have any student in the area of the water problem.

There was no statement made by any school personnel regarding A.D.A on shorter day, when in reality, this is counted as a non-student day for El Tejon School.

We wish to thank the Kern County Fire Department and the Kern County Sheriffs Department for their help and support during that time.

I hope this has given some clarification on the facts and situation surrounding the El Tejon School closer.