Londonderry officials are reinforcing their commitment to school security following an incident on August 27, 2023, which involved a false alarm at Londonderry High School. During a school board meeting on September 23, 2023, district representatives provided updates on the measures in place to keep students and staff safe.
The alarm was accidentally triggered due to a water leak that activated one of the buttons in the ALERTUS emergency notification system. As a result, students and staff were required to follow emergency protocols. A statement from police and school district officials clarified that school staff quickly identified the alarm as a false alarm, and communication was effectively established between the school and local authorities.
“Within those first few minutes, both organizations understood and communicated clearly that it was a false alarm at Londonderry High School,” the police statement noted. An immediate debriefing session was conducted involving school administration, police, and fire departments to review the incident and ensure that safety protocols were adhered to.
The Emergency Operations and Preparedness Committee (EOP) presented a detailed overview of the district’s safety protocols. This committee, composed of administrators, school resource officers, and local emergency personnel, has operated for several years, meeting monthly to discuss safety plans, training, drills, and any emerging concerns.
“It’s a lot of people who know how to keep people safe in our schools,” said school Superintendent Dan Black. Over the past 12 years, the committee has implemented a comprehensive system of layered safety practices throughout the district.
One of the standout features of the district’s safety approach is the ALICE program, which stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evaluate. This program provides specialized training for staff and students on emergency preparedness. “The ALICE model is at the heart of what we do,” the presentation emphasized.
High school Assistant Principal Crystal Rich acknowledged that initial acceptance of the ALICE system was challenging. “Once the system was explained and training began, the district recognized its importance for school security,” she stated. Rich added that the staff became “very engaged” in the training process.
In addition to the ALICE program, the district has implemented several other safety measures. These include funding for the ALERTUS notification system, upgrades to communication radios, installation of new door locks, and the development of reunification training and plans. A focus on social-emotional learning has also been integrated into the school environment.
Following the August incident, the EOP Committee assessed existing safety procedures, conducting additional tests of the ALERTUS system to confirm its functionality. Drills are scheduled to take place in all schools to reinforce these safety protocols.
School board Chairman Bob Slater expressed gratitude for the EOP Committee’s efforts. “We take the safety of our students and staff seriously, and safety is number one. Education is number two,” he stated.
The Londonderry School District continues to prioritize security, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to protect its community.
