News

Bleachers closed days before North Attleborough High School graduation

N. ATTLEBOROUGH, Mass. — Sky 25 on Tuesday captured workers blocking off the bleachers at North Attleborough High School with boards.

The nearly 50-year-old structure is no longer safe, and now the school's stadium is unable to host this Friday's commencement.

A concerned parent, who asked not to be identified, reached out to Boston 25 News to speak out.

"We got a notice last night about bleachers being closed at North Attleboro High School and the graduation is this Friday," he said.

He said the district knew about it for a while, but only told parents Monday night.

"The town never announced it until 3 days before the graduation," he said.

The district had the bleachers – which were built in 1970 – inspected and the verdict came back saying they are non-durable which means without considerable attention, they’re at risk of structural failure which means they could collapse.

School officials say they just got the engineering report dated May 31 on Monday, June 3.

"As soon as we got the report, we had an emergency meeting and determined that those bleachers would be taken offline until we could either fix them or replace them," said Schools Superintendent Scott Holcomb.

Graduation ceremonies will now take place downtown, at Community Field, where parking will be limited for the family of friends of some 260 graduating students.

Other parents, like Wendy Liston, say safety should be the priority.

Peter Haviland, the principal of North Attleborough High School, acknowledges the move is last minute and disruptive but said most students have rallied and supported the move to Community Field.

"Even though they were disappointed not to have it on their brand new turf field they were understanding of the dilemma," Haviland said.

Police say there will be a handicap parking lot as well as satellite lots and bus shuttles for the ceremony.