Amherst School District reviews response to recent lockdown threat incident

The Board of Education meeting on May 13, 2025, focused heavily on the district's safety plan in light of a recent lockdown incident. The meeting began with a review of the situation that unfolded the previous day, where threats to the school were deemed not credible but still caused significant concern among students, faculty, and parents.

Superintendent Dr. Jones addressed the board, emphasizing the importance of safety and security in the district. He expressed gratitude for the swift response from local law enforcement, including the Amherst Police Department and other agencies, which helped manage the situation effectively. Dr. Jones highlighted the professionalism of first responders and school administrators, who worked to maintain order during a potentially dangerous scenario.

The superintendent also discussed the challenges posed by parents arriving at the school during the lockdown. He explained that their presence could have complicated the situation, potentially hindering emergency responders and creating additional risks. Dr. Jones reassured parents that the safety of their children is the district's top priority and urged them to trust the school's protocols during emergencies.

The board plans to conduct further debriefings with law enforcement to learn from the incident and improve future responses. Dr. Jones concluded by stressing the need for ongoing preparation and learning from such experiences to ensure the safety of all students and staff in the district.