Red Hook High School will remain closed through June 5 and learning will continue virtually while cleanup is completed following a May 29 fire.
Meanwhile, a 16-year-old from the district has been charged with arson and reckless endangerment in connection with the fire.
A fire broke out in the first-floor boys bathroom shortly after 10 a.m. May 29. The fire alarm sounded and all students, staff and other personnel safely evacuated the building.
School officials said while cleanup of the building is substantially complete, results from air quality and HVAC testing conducted June 2 are still necessary to ensure conditions are suitable for reopening the school.
The results, which will also shed light on which items left in the school might be salvageable, are expected later this week.
Virtual learning is going smoothly, with few exceptions, district officials said.
Where to find in-person support, pick up lunches during virtual learning
Academic support sessions are taking place every day through June 4 from 2:40-8:40 p.m. at the Linden Avenue Middle School Innovation Lab.
Students who prefer to learn in a classroom atmosphere, or who lack reliable internet service at home, can take advantage of those opportunities at the middle school.
Bus service for all students engaging in Dutchess BOCES programs will run as scheduled on days when virtual learning is taking place. Students who attend BOCES for half-day sessions need to spend the balance of their day at the middle school if they do not have their own transportation to or from home in the middle of the day.
High school students can pick up lunches at the Mill Road Elementary PK-2 parking area every day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Charges filed against teenager in school fire
As for the criminal investigation into the fire by the Red Hook Police Department, that resulted in the arrest of a 16-year-old boy from Red Hook on May 30.
He was charged with third-degree arson and first-degree reckless endangerment, both felonies.
He was arraigned in the Town of Red Hook Court and released in the custody of a parent, pending further court action.
Red Hook police were assisted in their investigation by the State Police Troop K Major Crimes Unit.
Mike Randall covers breaking news for the Times Herald-Record and the Poughkeepsie Journal. Reach him at mrandall@th-record.com.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Red Hook High School closed through June 5 after teen’s alleged arson
Reporting by Mike Randall, Poughkeepsie Journal / Poughkeepsie Journal
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