MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Superintendent Pamela Beaudoin, Manchester-by-the-Sea Police Chief Todd Fitzgerald and Essex Police Chief Paul Francis report that the Manchester Essex Regional School District and the two municipal police departments serving the district are investigating after a threat was reportedly uttered against the Manchester Essex Regional Middle High School community.
On Tuesday morning, School Resource Officer Andrea Locke was notified by a
school parent that, at some time over the past week, a student was overheard
making concerning and possibly threatening statements against the Manchester
Essex Regional Middle High School.
Consistent with the policies and procedures in place to respond to threats,
high school and district administration were notified and an investigation was
launched. The suspect was quickly identified and it was soon determined that
the suspect is not currently attending school.
While the investigation remains active and ongoing, the investigation at
this time indicates that there
is no credible threat against the school. Out of an abundance
of caution, staff, students, and families may notice an increased police
presence at the middle high school. The MERSD has strong working partnerships
with the Manchester-by-the-Sea and Essex Police Departments, and all three
entities train together on response and investigatory procedures for school
threats.
"Please know that we are here to support your children and that their
safety and wellness are paramount," Superintendent Beaudoin said. "By
making this incident public, our intent is to reassure students, staff, and
families that we have procedures in place for their safety and that safety
planning and training are major priorities at MERSD."
Each MERSD school has a crisis plan in place derived from the ALICE (Alert,
Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) protocol. This plan is reviewed and
practiced regularly with staff and students and addresses situations ranging
from evacuation and lockdown to an aggressive intruder. In addition to school-based
safety teams, a MERSD team and the police departments meet quarterly to review
and update procedures.
