Perry Hall Elementary School in Baltimore County will extend its closure until today, following a fire earlier in the week. Officials say the fire, reported as "small" by Principal Ronesha Thompson, prompted an evacuation of students and staff on Tuesday evening when smoke was detected on the second floor. The Baltimore County Fire Department swiftly extinguished the flames, ensuring everyone's safety and preventing further spread, FOX Baltimore reported.
The incident led to an initial closure yesterday as the damage impacted the school's heating system, and school officials, recognizing the need for a thorough investigation and repair efforts, decided it would remain shuttered for another day for ongoing facility work the Department of Facilities staff, who were on-site yestersday, couldn't complete in time, and because they needed to address the facility's needs which included remediation efforts. This information was disseminated through social media and direct communication with parents and caregivers by Thompson.
A statement acquired by NottinghamMD from a letter by Principal Thompson read, "Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Staff, I am writing to provide information on school operations for tomorrow, December 11. Due to ongoing facility work and remediation efforts, Perry Hall Elementary School will be closed on Thursday, December 11, 2025, and there will be no afterschool and evening activities tomorrow. Thank you for your patience and understanding as staff from the Department of Facilities work to complete needed repairs and get our building ready for students and staff."
The efforts to restore the school to operational status continue as the community around Perry Hall Elementary awaits updates on when it might reopen, with the principal and the Baltimore County Board of Education assuring families of their dedication to fixing the issue as quickly as possible. Further details will be shared as information becomes available.
