news-record.com

GREENSBORO - Construction ends this month at the new Eastern Guilford High School, with students expected back on campus in April. But more than two years after a fire destroyed the original building, police say they're still looking for those responsible.

"We're continuing to follow all leads, continuing to investigate," said Col. Randy Powers of the Guilford County Sheriff's Office. "But right now, we have insufficient evidence to make an arrest. We're still looking for more information."

The fire began in an empty second-story chemistry classroom on Nov. 1, 2006. Students and staff at the Gibsonville school were evacuated but many came back throughout the afternoon and evening. They watched through police and fire department barricades as firefighters tried to save their school, but it was a total loss.

A little over a month later, investigators made the announcement: The fire was started intentionally.

Officials from the sheriff's office wouldn't say then what led them to that conclusion - and they still aren't saying much. Hundreds have been interviewed and there have been people of interest, according to the sheriff's office. But no arrests have been made.

"We're still asking for people to come forward with information and call the Crime Stoppers line," Powers said.

A reward of $7,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest, according to Crime Stoppers.

Eastern Guilford students were split up to attend classes at other schools after the fire, but never seemed to waver. Their football team played a scheduled game just days after the fire, with students on the sidelines wearing homemade T-shirts reading "We Came in Flames."

Though displaced, Eastern's students continued to meet state and federal testing guidelines.

They returned to the old school's site last year and began attending classes in mobile units on the schoolgrounds.

Students will move into a new building April 20, after spring break.

The $61 million building is 270,000 square feet, with capacity for 1,200 students.

Contact Joe Killian at 373-7023 or joe.killian@news-record.com