Central Lee put on soft lockdown Tuesday

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Comments at county courthouse prompt Lee County Sheriff's Department to notify school

BY CHUCK VANDENBERG
PCC EDITOR

DONNELLSON - Comments made at a Lee County court hearing Tuesday morning prompted the lockdown of all Central Lee schools this morning.

According to Superintendent Dr. Andy Crozier, a comment was made at a Lee County Courthouse this morning to a deputy Lee County Sheriff staffer, and the Lee County Sheriff's Department relayed the information to school officials.

A parent was allegedly heading to one of the schools, but the circumstances surrounding the intent of the parent were not released.

"This morning, at around 11:05 a.m., we issued a soft lockdown for all Central Lee schools. We took this action after being alerted by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office of a comment made at a court hearing today. Law enforcement officers had received a report that the individual may have been headed to one of our schools," Crozier wrote in a statement to parents this afternoon.

"The individual in question does not have access to any of our buildings during the school day. We issued a soft lockdown until the matter could be resolved."

Lee County Sheriff Stacy Weber dispatched two officers and the school's resource officer, which is a Lee County deputy as part of a contract with the school district, to the scene.

Crozier said the issue was quickly resolved and no one gained entrance to the school property. The schools were on lockdown for 30 minutes.

Central Lee's soft lockdowns take place when an incident or threat is occurring near the campus, according to Crozier. In those situations, real-time information is usually minimal and vague and the district relies on area law enforcement to conduct investigations before additional details are available.

School district procedures include, but are not limited to, the following:
•No one is to enter or leave the building for any purpose.
•Teachers lock their doors and continue their lessons.
•No hallway traffic is allowed unless it is absolutely an emergency (an escort is provided for grades K-8).
•Those who are outside for recess, PE, etc., must come into the building. 

Crozier said the resources office and Lee County Sheriff’s Office will continue to monitor the PK-8 building over the next few days.

"Please know that the safety and security of our students and staff remain our top priority," he said.

He also recommended anyone with additional questions or concerns contact him or one of the school offices.

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