Heating Issue Closes Dassel-Cokato High School

COKATO, Minn. (WCCO) – A high school west of the Twin Cities was closed Monday morning and students were sent home following an issue with a heating system, district officials said.

The closure happened at about 10:30 a.m. at Dassel-Cokato High School, which is about 50 miles west of Minneapolis. The high school has an enrollment of about 557 students. Officials said a break in the heating system has caused water in the system to give off a strong smell.

Officials said the water isn't toxic in any way, but the high school and middle school closed for the day as a result of the break. Students who drive to school were released for the day, and those who ride buses were sent to the middle school and the PAC to be picked up.

Parents picking up students are being told to pick them up at the PAC entrance. There wasn't immediate word on how long it would take to fix the break.