Today’s post is an attempt to answer some questions that some of you have asked but please bear in mind that there is still an ongoing investigation by the sheriff’s department.
Has the issue been resolved? The issue has been resolved to a degree that we feel safe to hold school under normal conditions. Have the guns been found? 2 of the 4 weapons have been found and a suspect is in jail. Are the 3 incidents connected? No, it is our belief, as well as the sheriff’s department, after conducting interviews, that the incident of a verbal threat intended for the Assistant Principal was not related to any of the break-ins at 2 faculty member’s homes in which weapons and a few other items were stolen.The verbal comment from a student never stated violence with a weapon or words that would suggest any harm to our kids.etc. Will the children be safe going back to school? No threat? Yes, I firmly believe the children will be safe or I would not have reopened school. There has been no known threat or statement, verbal, written or overheard about violence or harm directed at our students or staff as a result of or because of the stolen weapons. The break-ins are being viewed as incidents in and of themselves and perhaps very likely connected. The 1 break-in happened in Las Animas County and is thus the investigation of their sheriff’s department. I have no updates that I can release on the progress of their investigation. Both departments are trying to connect the dots to determine if there is any connection to both crimes.
I have always made decisions based 100% on the side of caution & safety for our children be it during inclement weather or other situations that have arisen. Safety for our students and employees is always our top priority and concern.
I hope these responses have helped to answer your questions. Thank you.
Superintendent Moore