Livingston High School was locked down for a portion of the day on Monday, March 20, based on a report of a potential weapon in the building.
The school was locked down for about 25 minutes beginning at 11:30 a.m. The Livingston Police Department arrived immediately after the lockdown began and searched the building. No weapon nor threat to the school was found, according to police.
“We take these matters very seriously and the district followed all of the safety protocols that are practiced regularly with the Livingston Police Department,” the department stated in a press release. “At the conclusion of the lockdown, students and staff were made aware of the situation and that there was no danger to the school.”
This is the second weapon-related lockdown in as many months. On February 15, an unloaded magazine from a handgun was found outside of Heritage Middle School, prompting a similar police response.
Joint Statement Adds Details In a letter addressed to the Livingston Public Schools community in the hours following the lockdown, Superintendent Matthew Block and Chief of Police Gary Marshuetz shared additional information in a joint statement about the incident: “The District received a message (Monday) morning that a student at LHS had potentially accessed a weapon. Upon receiving the message, the school enacted its normal security protocols. The Livingston Police Department (LPD) responded immediately. LHS was placedunder a lockdown and the student in question was quickly taken into custody by LPD. In actuality, there was never a weapon at LHS and no one was ever in danger in the school.
“However, when the lockdown occurred, as we would expect, LPD entered LHS with the intensity and determination of a real situation, including carrying a few weapons that may be needed to stop an actual threat. Police sidearms were never drawn or pointed at any person. We understand that it was disconcerting for members of our school community to see the officers enter the school in this manner. LPD is extremely responsive and serious in its purpose when responding to potential threats.
Both the district and the LPD will always react to situations as if there could be a real danger until we know there is none.
“While our school staff helped students lock down appropriately, it was reported that, in some of our higher-density areas, certain students did not comply with protocols. Our students have been trained in how to respond to emergencies since kindergarten and know what is expected of them. Unfortunately, some students kept talking and interacting with each other despite the instruction to lock down. (LHS Principal Danielle) Rosenzweig addressed the students at the end of the school day today about the importance of every individual student following all commands when a lockdown is activated. Everyone has a role to play in a school lockdown, and we will continue to emphasize this with our students. Please remind your children how important it is to treat each lockdown seriously, and to do their part by carefully following procedures and instructions during a potential emergency.
“Parents should also be aware that we have certain protocols in place for all of the schools in the district when any one school in the district enacts a lockdown. While each school enacted those protocols today, only Livingston High School was actually in lockdown due to the potential of a dangerous situation in that school.All other schools were simply following district protocols. There was no threat, danger, or involvement in this situation that reached any other school in the district today.”
The letter concluded, “The safety and security of our schools are always our top priority and we are thankful that there was never a dangerous item at LHS, and that no one was hurt. After the lockdown, the school day proceeded normally at all schools. The strong and swift reaction by the LPD was appreciated. We are fortunate to have such a strong partnership between the schools and law enforcement. We recognize the importance of practicing our safety protocols and helping our students and staff to know exactly what to do in an emergency, and we will continue to implement and reinforce the training in all of our schools. School counselors stand ready to support our students going forward. Please recognize that the rumor mill, often fueled by posts on social media, generally serves to increase fear, and undermine efforts to keep our schools as safe as possible.”
Parents Speak At Board Meeting Several parents spoke to Livingston’s Board of Education at its Monday, March 20 meeting, hours after the lockdown.
“We’re mindful that it is scary and upsetting whenever we have to call a lockdown,” Superintendent Matthew Block said. “We’ll be looking out for our students and have ongoing counseling.”
Block said that the administration is holding discussions with the district’s safety coordinator and town police department. Parents urged the Board to include the public in these conversations, some suggesting more “stringent” measures need to be taken.
“I know we’re all thankful that there was nothing [found] and the kids are lucky. But my concern is that they cannot be relying on luck all the time,” Sonia Sanjeev said. “I’m actually looking for something like an airport-style security check, given the number of incidents we’ve had so far.”
Some parents and Board members emphasized a need to review the efficacy of safety regulations and practices before implementation.
“I urge this committee, this group, to ensure that any measures that are taken are truly evidence based,” Jonathan Zipkin said. “There are a lot of things that look safe, they make us feel safe, but they don’t necessarily improve safety.”
Block explained that a threat assessment team will be formed for the district, in accordance with one of Livingston’s district goals. According to Block, the team will assess mental health and behavioral issues in students. He said it will be in place as soon as possible.
“One of the things that has been found to be most effective when it comes to preventing violence in schools is the proactive approach: identifying students who may be heading in that direction before they get there,” Block said. “Once the student unfortunately shows up to your door, it’s very difficult to prevent any sort of violence from happening.”
Block said that he received several emails from parents Monday morning. Students have reportedly been meeting with counselors after the incident. Assistant superintendent Mark Stern said that there are “people in the halls” who touch base with students in need of additional support when incidents occur.
“There were counselors who had multiple students in their offices at once, who brought friends down who needed to talk and others that just came in on their own,” Lisa Steiger said.
The Board briefly discussed launching a spring “Coffee with the Superintendent,” where parents could directly talk with Block about school safety and security.
Aclosed security summit was also held onWednesday, March 22.While not open to the public, the meeting featured officials from the Board of Education, Livingston Police Department, Livingston Fire Department and Township of Livingston.
