Albany School Board addresses recent bomb threat and spring lockdowns

The Greater Albany Public Schools held a Regular School Board Meeting on March 10, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., addressing several key issues and updates relevant to the district.

The meeting commenced with a significant update regarding a bomb threat incident at Albany Options School that occurred over a month prior. An email threat was received the night before school resumed, prompting immediate action from school administrators. The swift response involved collaboration among various officials, including Principal Hannon and law enforcement, ensuring the safety of students at both Albany Options School and nearby Sunrise Elementary. The investigation led to the identification of a juvenile suspect from Benton County, who has since been charged with two counts of disorderly conduct.

Following this discussion, the board addressed upcoming spring lockdown drills. These drills, which began last week, have been structured to occur on Tuesdays and Thursdays, involving two elementary schools and one secondary school each day. This new schedule aims to enhance the effectiveness of the drills and facilitate better coordination with local patrol officers.

The meeting also marked a farewell to Officer Williams, the school resource officer, who is set to retire in April. The board expressed gratitude for her service and announced that a new officer would be introduced at the next meeting.

The agenda then transitioned to school reports, beginning with Meadow Ridge Elementary, presented by Chris Sullivan. He highlighted the school's programming and achievements, although there were some technical difficulties with the presentation materials. Following Meadow Ridge, Caitlin Lindsey, principal of Periwinkle Elementary, shared insights into her school's mission to foster a positive and engaging learning environment, emphasizing their commitment to student growth.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the district's proactive measures in ensuring student safety and highlighted the ongoing dedication of school staff to provide quality education. The board plans to continue these discussions and updates in future meetings, ensuring transparency and community engagement.