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RSU 23 superintendent: anonymous caller threats were a hoax; district to meet with police on safety and SRO options
Summary
Superintendent John Suttie told the board an anonymous caller phoned several Maine high schools with threats that were found to be a hoax within roughly 30 minutes; the district will meet with the police chief and principals to review response procedures and consider whether a school resource officer will be provided.
Superintendent John Suttie reported at the Nov. 17 RSU 23 school board meeting that an anonymous caller contacted several Maine high schools with threats. Officials identified the calls as a hoax within about 30 minutes, but the incident prompted immediate staff discussions about school safety and response procedures.
Suttie told the board the episode demonstrated the need for flexibility in real-time responses: “we have to be really flexible thinkers because no matter how much we plan, how much we have in place, being able to react in the moment and protect your students is the most important thing.” He said he planned to meet with the police chief and school principals to discuss how to improve preparations and to consider whether the district should be provided with a school resource officer (SRO).
Board members acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and Suttie’s explanation. The superintendent also used the meeting to recognize outgoing board member Sally Beatty for three years of service; Beatty and colleagues received public thanks for her work during a challenging period for education.
Next steps include Suttie’s planned meeting with law enforcement and principals to develop any recommended changes to school safety routines. The board minutes record the discussion and identify the superintendent as the contact for follow-up.
