Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice sent this note today to the Westport School Community:
I am writing to provide an update regarding police activity along Long Lots Road this morning that led Staples High School and Bedford Middle School to activate the district’s security protocol and place both buildings in temporary holds.
Shortly before 8 a.m., the Westport Police Department received reports of a man acting erratically and yelling at vehicles in the area of Long Lots Road. In response, police officers, including multiple members of the department’s School Security Unit, acted quickly to assess the situation and identify the individual.
Through their coordinated efforts and ongoing communication with school administrators, the situation was addressed, and both schools were able to return to normal operations.
We understand that any situation requiring the activation of our school security protocols can be concerning for students, staff, and families. Please know that these protocols are in place to help protect our school communities, and decisions to implement them are made with careful consideration of the information available at the time.
This morning’s response demonstrated the importance of our strong partnership with the Westport Police Department and the constant communication between law enforcement and school administrators. That coordination allowed us to respond promptly, take appropriate precautions, and return both schools to normal operations as quickly as possible.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priorities. We are grateful to the Westport Police Department and our school security personnel for their swift response and continued partnership in keeping our schools safe.
