New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
New Bedford High School officials this morning reported that overnight the school was entered by an unknown individual/s and fire extinguishers were intentionally activated, releasing material into the air. The home economics area was also disrupted.
Superintendent Dr. Pia Durkin reported immediately to the school and worked closely with administrators to assess the situation. No students were admitted to the building while it was being inspected.
In consultation with New Bedford Fire Chief Michael Gomes, Dr. Durkin decided to “err on the side of caution” and cancel school today, given the presence of airborne particles, to prevent placing any students or staff at health risk.
All classes and other indoor activities at New Bedford High School are cancelled today. After-school sports and other outdoor activities will take place as scheduled. Some activities scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday) have been relocated to Keith Middle School across the street from the high school.
The New Bedford Police Department is conducting an investigation into the matter, including review of video from surveillance cameras. A team of environmental air quality experts is conducting a study of the facility today to ensure that the building can be safely reopened for classes to resume on Monday.
Parents were immediately notified of the situation using the district’s automated telephone calling service. Community groups with activities planned within the school have been notified. Students in need of supervision whose parents could not be reached have been relocated to Keith Middle School across the street.
“These were foolish and thoughtless actions that needlessly interrupted the great teaching and learning that goes on everyday at our high school,” said Dr. Durkin. “I am extremely grateful to the staff, parents, and students for their swift and thorough response to this incident, and to the New Bedford Police and Fire Departments for their immediate cooperation and professionalism.”
Dr. Durkin has contacted the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to determine whether or not the school year at New Bedford High School must be extended by one day as a result of today’s closure.
