WEST NEWBURY — Superintendent Justin Bartholomew reports that Pentucket Regional Middle High School will reopen for classes on Wednesday, Jan. 29, as remediation following a weekend fire continues.
Thanks to diligent efforts by a professional fire remediation team, supported by the Pentucket facilities and custodial teams, the kitchen area and other impacted areas have been cleared for student and staff use.
Walls, floors, and flat surfaces have been cleaned, and all air filters and fire extinguishers have been replaced.
The robotics and shop area are still under repair, though they are expected to reopen by the weekend.
The auditorium sustained smoke damage and has been sealed off. The administration is evaluating the situation, which will inform next steps for remediation.
The fire, deemed accidental, originated at the rear of the auditorium. Members of the Robotics team, a Pentucket staff member, and a West Newbury police officer quickly extinguished the flames. No one was injured.
The administration is also developing a schedule to make up the two missed class days.
“All things considered, this could have been much worse,” Superintendent Bartholomew said. “Thank you to our staff members who made sure our students can return to classes as quickly as possible. We also thank our community for its support and patience as we navigate the next few days and weeks.”
Updates on the school’s reopening will be posted on the district’s website at www.prsd.org.