Joint statement from Southbridge Superintendent/Receiver Jeffrey A. Villar and Chief Shane Woodson
The Southbridge Public Schools and Southbridge Police Department are committed to keeping Southbridge students, educators, and community members safe. Much of the information that the Southbridge Education Association has shared is inaccurate. We continue to look into the allegations raised on March 13 and will continue communicating information as we learn it. District and police leadership were already working together on lockdown drills and other procedures before this incident. We will continue to collaborate to prevent and address any potential safety incidents.
Additional information:
Dr. Villar sent the following two communications in English and Spanish to members of the Southbridge High School community:
-
Communication #1 (released March 13, at 4:14pm)
Transcript of message to Southbridge High School families and staff:
"Today, a parent made us aware that there was a post on social media about a student having a firearm at school. Working with close collaboration with the Southbridge Police Department, we were able to determine that there was no threat to the school. We are grateful to the parent who took the time to inform us about the situation and encourage all members of our community to remain vigilant and report anything of concern immediately."
-
Communication #2 (released March 16 at 2:19pm)
Parents and Guardians,
Recently Southbridge High School received a tip that a social media post suggested that a student may be in possession of a handgun at school. The school administration immediately sought the involvement of the Southbridge Police Department, and the creator of the social media post was taken into police custody and charged accordingly. There has been no weapon recovered. The school continues to work closely with the Southbridge Police Department and will remain vigilant. We are grateful to the parent who informed the school about this inappropriate video and encourage anyone with similar concerns to reach out to school officials. Maintaining the safety of our students is our primary concern, and we need your help.
-
Communication #3 (released March 23 at 4:11pm)
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Last week I notified you about a disturbing social media video that suggested a student had brought a gun into our High School. The school administration worked collaboratively with the Southbridge Police Department to identify the video's creator, and he was subsequently taken into police custody and charged appropriately. The school has also taken appropriate disciplinary action.
The Police investigation remains underway. There have been no further related incidents at the school. I am pleased with the level of support that the Southbridge Police Department continues to provide to all of our schools. I regularly communicate with Police Chief Woodson and find the two Resource Officers assigned to support our schools to be dedicated, diligent, and persistent in their efforts to maintain a strong presence.
The security and safety of our schools and students are a top priority. We regularly review our safety plans with the Southbridge Police Department and update them based on the latest school safety information. We also remain in constant contact concerning any known or potential local and national threats to schools. We will conduct our regular school lockdown drills in the next few weeks. You will receive more information about each specific school from the building principal.
I thank you again for your continued vigilance and ask that you always err on the side of caution and report any concern that you may have about school safety.