Greenport students evacuated after ‘propane issue;’ school to reopen Friday

Greenport schools abruptly dismissed all students Thursday morning after a “propane issue” forced officials to clear the building for emergency maintenance work.

Southold Police Department and Greenport Fire Department personnel identified the source of the odor on the west side of the Front Street building and shut off the gas service, police officials said.

Buses picked students up at the building at 9:45 a.m. Thursday. The decision to dismiss students in the Greenport Union Free School District was made “out of an abundance of caution,” Superintendent Beth Doyle wrote in an email to parents obtained by The Suffolk Times.

“The building is safe, but additional maintenance needs to take place, and it is best for students and staff to remain out of the building while that work is done,” she wrote.

School will reopen Friday, Ms. Doyle told The Suffolk Times. She also said that all kids are “home safely.”

Thursday night’s homecoming dance, however, has been canceled because of the closure. All after-school activities and athletic events are also postponed. Updated dates will be shared early next week, according to Ms. Doyle’s email.

“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we take these steps to ensure everyone’s safety,” she said.

To contact the district office, call 631-477-1950.