School staff decontaminated after powder found

BOLTON, Mass. (WHDH) -- Classes at Nashoba Regional High School resumed as usual Monday morning a day after a white powder was found in a restroom at the school.

Authorities had to decontaminate more than a dozen staff members following the incident on Sunday. Officials say someone wrapped up white powder and left it in a basement boy’s bathroom.

Crews responded to the school around 10:30 a.m. State experts trained to detect and decontaminate hazardous materials decontaminated 20 adults. The men and women were washed down with baby shampoo inside a tent as a precaution.

“We have determined that the powder that was found is not a hazardous chemical,” said State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan.

Police say a custodian found the suspiciously wrapped package. He brought it to the office where teachers and administrators were meeting to plan grief counseling sessions following the death of a former student. A vice principal opened it and dialed 911 after finding the powder.

“At this point there’s no indication this was mailed or delivered by postal service. It physically would have been brought into the facility,” said Chief Vincent Alfano, Bolton Police Department.

Students practicing softball in the gym were quarantined for almost the whole day. There was concern they may have been exposed through the air.

Outside the high school, 10 and 11-year-old boys were in the first inning of an AAU game.

“The police came over to the umpire and said, ‘There’s something really serious going on,’” said Jonathan Reardon, a witness.

“The police came back to the field and told everyone they need to drop their equipment and come and evacuate,” said Donna Reardon, a witness.

The teams couldn't leave until the all clear came at mid afternoon.

“I have no concern for safety as we prepare to have school tomorrow,” an official said.