Dear PBC Families,
We have concluded our investigation into the fire which occurred in an upstairs boys' bathroom, closest to our gymnasium in Pieter B. The fire was purposely set by a student who has been identified and will be held accountable as per our District Code of Conduct. Our fire suppression system (sprinkler) worked as it should and immediately extinguished the fire. The fire alarm was activated by a smoke detector located about 10 feet from the bathroom door. Smoke traveled from the bathroom, into the vestibule, and adjacent hall nearest the bathroom. Smoke could be smelled, to some extent, in many areas of the building after the incident.
As mentioned in previous communications, fire remediation specialists were called to assist, and they worked from Tuesday afternoon until approximately 9 p.m. Wednesday to ensure that any trace of the smoke, fire, and water was eliminated. Our district safety consultants also came on-site late yesterday to do testing throughout the area to ensure student and staff safety. It was a combination of the diligent work of our buildings and grounds staff and these outside professionals that made our reopening possible today. The only areas that will remain closed in the short term are the bathroom where the fire was and the bathroom immediately below, as we continue to remediate smoke and water damage.
Our PBC Crisis Response Team (CRT) met first thing this morning to both debrief on our process and response on Tuesday and, more importantly, how to assist our students and staff as they reentered the building today. The CRT is comprised of teachers, principals, support staff, members of student support services, and local law enforcement. Here are the processes they put in place for students and staff today:
The CRT prepared a statement that was read to classes this morning. This statement celebrated what a good job our students did in executing what we have practiced over and over. We are proud of them.
We identified that the most important thing for our student reentry is to return to our normal routines. Staff will continue to be vigilant in looking for signs and symptoms of anxiety.
Our social work and counselor support is readily available to assist students or staff in need.
We created a bathroom availability plan with adjustments due to the two restrooms that are temporarily closed.
Parents/guardians of students who appear to have lingering concerns about the event should reach out to their student’s teacher or the school counselor.
The CRT also identified some response improvements for future emergency events, such as being able to automatically forward phones during an evacuation and more efficient ways of being dismissed to specific bus routes during a relocation. It was helpful during the relocation to utilize our facility dog, Odie, who would sit with students who appeared anxious.
Although we never want to experience real emergencies, our practice and training shone through on Tuesday. We are so grateful for the actions of staff, the adherence of students, and the cooperation of families as we reunited them with their students. Thank you to all who played a role in keeping our students and staff safe on Tuesday and made it possible for us to return to school today.
Thank you,
Brian Bailey, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools