POCATELLO, Idaho (CBS2) — 12:45 p.m. update: Pocatello/Chubbuck School District continues finalizing short and long-term plans
Pocatello/Chubbuck School District released the following details to address the immediate needs of the learners and staff of Highland High School:
- Saturday, April 22: The HHS prom will be held from 8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at the Idaho State University Pond Student Union Ballroom. We appreciate the staff and administration of Idaho State University and their offer of the space to host this event as scheduled.
- Monday, April 24: School will be canceled for Highland High School.
- Tuesday, April 25 through Friday, April 28: Classes for Highland High School will be held virtually for all grades 9-12. The previously scheduled ISAT testing has been temporarily postponed. More details to follow
- Mid-term grade posting will be temporarily postponed.
Officials confirmed the following details:
- The fire impacted the D-wing. The fire doors operated as intended; therefore, preliminary reports indicate B, Upper B and C wings are not damaged by fire, but significant water is on the floor surface. We will continue to work with investigators and officials to assess water and smoke damage.
- The power is currently off for the entire facility.
- The Pocatello Police Department is patrolling the site, and nobody will be permitted on-site until further notice. Do not fly drones in the area.
- This is an ongoing investigation. The district and Highland administration will have access to the building as permitted by investigators and other officials working on the case. In-person instruction will resume when officials have cleared the building.
Additionally:
- Safety is the district's highest priority. Once the building is safe, a plan will be developed for learners and staff to retrieve personal items.
- Resuming face-to-face learning as soon as possible will be a high priority. Returning to the building will be a decision made based on safety in consultation between PCSD 25 administration, investigators, engineers, and other officials.
- The district is working with its insurance company to replace personal property.
- The district administration is working with state and federal food service programs to discuss the possibility of the distribution of meals moving forward.
- District administration will work to identify needs and work directly with its District resources, School District 25 Education Foundation and Highland High School Foundation for extra donation support.
----------
11:00 a.m. update: Pocatello/Chubbuck School District discusses plan moving forward
Pocatello/Chubbuck School District will meet with Highland High School administration and staff members later this morning to address short-term plans.
The district says the safety and well-being of its learners and staff is the highest priority.
The district further added:
This situation is going to require patience and stamina as we work together as a community to continue to serve Highland learners and staff in the best way possible. We appreciate the outpouring of support and goodwill that we have received both locally and across the state including Governor Little’s office and the Idaho Superintendent of Schools'. We will continue to keep Highland families updated throughout the days and weeks to come with details as they are confirmed.----------
According to a news release from Pocatello/Chubbuck School District, a fire was reported at Highland High School Friday morning.
All classes have been canceled for the day. More information will be released as the district receives updates from officials working on-site Friday and throughout the weekend.
The district requests staff, learners and community members avoid being at or around the area until further notice.
Zach Glancy at Local News 8 is reporting the Chubbuck and Pocatello Fire Departments are fighting the fire. Bench Road in front of the school is closed.
The Idaho State Journal says there are no reports of any injuries, and authorities have not commented on what could have caused the fire.
CBS2 will update this story when more information is available.
