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Parents and educators call for investigation after masked intruder filmed at Wilder Elementary
Summary
A masked person in a costume filmed on Wilder Elementary grounds on March 27; commenters said staff allowed the individual on campus and later an inspired copycat prompted a lockdown. Community members urged the board to review whether reporting and law‑enforcement procedures were followed and to improve transparency.
A parent and longtime educator told the Lake Washington School Board on April 7 that a masked person wearing a costume entered Wilder Elementary on March 27, filmed students and staff for a YouTube video and was allowed into the building, and that district response did not follow the reporting steps required by state guidance.
David Locke, a 30‑year district parent and former principal, said a staff member engaged with the intruder but that the individual was permitted to remain on campus and was invited inside the school. Locke said that a week later a second masked intruder inspired by the video entered Wilder and that staff then called police and placed the school on lockdown. Locke asked the board to investigate the March 27 incident, determine whether established protocols were followed, and ensure every district school is prepared to respond to similar incidents.
Kyla Woodward, a parent of two elementary students (one at Wilder), told the board the incidents highlighted gaps in transparent communication and accountability. She said information should not “live with one person” at a school and urged immediate, clear communications to parents when a safety or potential safety concern arises. Woodward called for formal notification protocols that do not leave adjudication or notification to a single staff member.
Both speakers referenced state guidance for school safety reporting; Locke said OSPI mandates immediate reporting of suspicious activity, securing the campus, and contacting law enforcement when appropriate. Board members did not make an immediate directive during public comment; administration previously described that the second incident resulted in a lockdown and police involvement.
Commenters asked the district to review the March 27 response, to produce findings about whether protocols were followed, and to commit to faster and clearer parent and staff notifications when potential threats occur. The board did not vote on the matter during the meeting.
