Mat-Su schools prepare for possible Spurr eruption

PALMER, Alaska (KTUU) - The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District (MSBSD) says they are taking steps to ensure the safety of students and staff in the event of a potential eruption of Mount Spurr.

In a letter recently sent out to MSBSD families and staff the District says if the volcano does erupt, they will immediately work with borough and state officials to determine the best course of action, as the exact timing of an eruption is difficult to predict.

The circumstances will depend on the time of day, the size of the eruption, and if weather patterns direct ash fall towards the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

Rusty Belanger, the Safety and Security Manager for the school district, says if students need to shelter in place they will take precautions on bringing outside air into the schools.

“Equipment that would bring outside air into a building is gonna be shut down. Your water systems and everything within the building are still operational, they’re gonna be fine. It’s business as usual, the air might be a little stagnant in the schools, but it’s better than bringing in the ash from the outside,” Belanger said.

He also said masks will be available for students who need them.

In the event of an emergency, the district will use its mass communication system to text, call and email families any information they need to know. The district will also update its website and Facebook page as needed.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough School District says administrators will meet next week for a Q&A session to ensure everyone understands their eruption plan.

The Anchorage School District says they are still finalizing a volcano preparedness plan, and are expecting that information to be available on Friday.

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