A power outage in Barrington resulted in a delayed start for the high school on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

The electricity went out at about 7:30 a.m., and officials at the high school decided to keep students outside while checking the air quality inside the building.

Barrington Superintendent of Schools Michael Messore said that the air quality readings were done because officials wanted to make sure there was enough air movement inside the buildings, as part of the COVID-19 safety measures.

He said the readings showed that the buildings were safe for students. 

Power returned at about 11 a.m., coinciding with an email from the district about the situation: "Today, the power went down in the majority of buildings across the district. Out of an abundance of caution, we measured the CO2 levels in each building, and all levels were well below the safe limits. Schools are in session. Lunches will be served..."

The delayed start left some students wondering if classes might be canceled altogether, and by around 11 a.m., dozens of students decided to head home.

Mr. Messore said no students were dismissed. He also said students can still return to school for the remainder of their classes.

Mr. Messore added that officials should have distributed a message earlier to parents about the situation at the schools.