During the last couple of days we have had two situations with hand-written threats -- at MVMS and at RES. In both cases we involved law enforcement immediately. When we alert parents, we are not able to provide all the details because we are in the process of investigating the threat with law enforcement. When we convey that a threat is “non-credible,” a term from law enforcement, it means that the situation has been assessed and is not a viable threat. Sometimes threats have dates and times that have gone by, as in the case at MVMS. Sometimes threats are to a specific individual or group - not students. Other times, as in the case at RES, we quickly determined who was responsible and knew that the person did not have the ability or resources to “bomb a school.”
We understand that parents want as much information as possible. Please remember all of our RSU 10 employees strive to provide a safe learning environment in our schools; however, we respect that parents have the right to make decisions regarding their children’s safety.
We also want to highlight some of the safety features we have implemented over the last couple of years. We have cameras throughout our schools and on our busses. The School Board has supported the hiring of School Resource Officers in both regions. School building doors remain locked, and we are working to increase keycard entries. Our staff and high school students have been trained in ALICE (training to respond to a live threat). Additionally, we have staff trained in recognizing and supporting students who are struggling with emotional and mental health. We continue to strive to do better, and we will.