MUSD: False report led to MES lockdown

Maricopa Unified School District released the following statement regarding a lockdown that occurred Sept. 24 at Maricopa Elementary School (a day after a lockdown at the high school) when a student reported seeing a stranger on campus:

“The Maricopa Unified School District in cooperation with the Maricopa Police Department has determined that a student’s claim of an unauthorized person on campus on Thursday, Sept. 24, was a false report.  The incident resulted in a school-wide lockdown and then a systematic search of the entire campus by the Maricopa Police Department.  For one hour, over 750 students and affected staff were confined to locked classrooms without any educational instruction taking place. The student is being held accountable for the action, and any subsequent disciplinary action is being handled in accordance with the District’s Student Handbook and Board Policy.  Student and staff safety are a high priority with the District.  False reporting of a potential threat will not be tolerated and anyone disrupting a school setting based on a false report will be held accountable for their actions.  The District would like to once again thank the Maricopa Police Department for their support and their assistance in making our campuses safe, educational environments for students and staff.”