Terrell, Texas – The Terrell Independent School District (Terrell ISD) placed all campuses and facilities on a “shelter in place” earlier this morning, December 17, 2013, at approximately 11:00 a.m. Terrell ISD later lifted the shelter in place order but kept all Terrell ISD buildings in an “exterior lock” until approximately 4:00 p.m. when the precautionary lock-down was lifted completely.
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According to Terrell ISD, the facilities were placed on exterior lock out of an “abundance of caution” caused by an “alleged agitated individual who may have been heading to the Terrell area.” According to Terrell ISD Public Information Officer Rachel Frost, The Terrell ISD Police Department made contact with the individual and the exterior lock order was lifted.
Terrell ISD officials declined to identify the individual involved in the incident and were unaware of any possible or pending criminal charges. Frustrated parents took to the district's Facebook Page and at several times overwhelmed the district's phone system with calls demanding more information. "TISD understands your concern and need for timely information when it comes to the safety of your children," Terrell ISD responded on Facebook. "We work as quickly as possible to get accurate and appropriate information to our parents and staff, while simultaneously securing our facilities."
"Often times, releasing information too quickly could escalate a potentially dangerous situation," continues a statement by Terrell ISD. "It is our duty as educators to ensure that your children are as safe, if not safer, in our schools than they are in their own home. We appreciate your patience and concern as we handle emergency situations."
School dismissal procedures were briefly altered while authorities continued to work to contact the individual. At 2:24 p.m., Terrell ISD stated, "All bus riders, student walkers, and students who drive to and from school will be held at school. Parents and guardians are welcome to come into the school and personally pick up their child."
According to Frost, Terrell ISD Police, the Terrell Police Department, and the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office worked closely with other area law enforcement agencies to make contact with the individual responsible for the "exterior lock" at Terrell ISD.
The original statement from Terrell ISD read:
“Out of an abundance of caution, all TISD facilities are on exterior lock until further notice. Although no incident has occurred, all students will remain inside buildings. This is a precautionary measure to keep our students and staff safe.”
Our updates on Facebook:
Terrell ISD officials declined to identify the individual involved in the incident and were unaware of any possible or pending criminal charges. Frustrated parents took to the district's Facebook Page and at several times overwhelmed the district's phone system with calls demanding more information. "TISD understands your concern and need for timely information when it comes to the safety of your children," Terrell ISD responded on Facebook. "We work as quickly as possible to get accurate and appropriate information to our parents and staff, while simultaneously securing our facilities."
"Often times, releasing information too quickly could escalate a potentially dangerous situation," continues a statement by Terrell ISD. "It is our duty as educators to ensure that your children are as safe, if not safer, in our schools than they are in their own home. We appreciate your patience and concern as we handle emergency situations."
School dismissal procedures were briefly altered while authorities continued to work to contact the individual. At 2:24 p.m., Terrell ISD stated, "All bus riders, student walkers, and students who drive to and from school will be held at school. Parents and guardians are welcome to come into the school and personally pick up their child."
According to Frost, Terrell ISD Police, the Terrell Police Department, and the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office worked closely with other area law enforcement agencies to make contact with the individual responsible for the "exterior lock" at Terrell ISD.
The original statement from Terrell ISD read:
“Out of an abundance of caution, all TISD facilities are on exterior lock until further notice. Although no incident has occurred, all students will remain inside buildings. This is a precautionary measure to keep our students and staff safe.”
Our updates on Facebook:
Post by inForney.com.