Binghamton High School Suspends In-Person Classes After Fire

Ongoing fights and an arson fire have resulted in another closing of Binghamton High School classrooms for an extended period.

In a letter to families, principal Kevin Richman said the school will provide remote instreuction until the winter recess ends on January 3.

Richman wrote that administrators have identified the student who is believed to have set a fire at the high school. Some toilet paper was ignited on the floor of a third-floor boys' bathroom around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The principal said after the building was evacuated because of the fire, some students were involved in a fight outside. He said a short time later, some people connected to one of the students arrived in a vehicle "with metal pipes and attempted to further the altercation."

Police reported no arrests in connection with the fire or the altercations.

Richman indicated too many altercations are happening at the high school, so it will be "necessary to develop a plan for a building reset to address the most recent behaviors." That means students will not receive in-person instruction until early next month.

The prinicipal wrote: "The movement to remote instruction will allow time to consider and implement any necessary actions to enhance security and ensure safety in and around Binghamton High School."

City school superintendent Tonia Thompson did not return a phone call seeking comment on the recent violence involving high school students.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.

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