DeSoto County school board having closed emergency safety meeting after multiple threats at school

DESOTO COUNTY, Fla. —

After three threats were investigated at West Elementary School this week, the School Board of DeSoto County is having a closed emergency school safety meeting.

On Thursday, DeSoto County deputies and Arcadia police officers responded to the school after reports of an active shooter threat, which turned out to be false.

This investigation is the third "swatting" incident this week at West Elementary School in Arcadia. On Monday, Arcadia police determined that a call was a hoax swatting incident, and on Wednesday, police responded to a non-credible bomb threat.

The closed meeting is scheduled to happen on Friday at 9 a.m., when members will discuss matters related to school safety and security.

DeSoto County School District Superintendent Bobby Bennett, Ph.D., issued a statement that was posted on the district's Facebook:

"We understand parents’ concerns, and I want to be very clear about what happens during a lockdown.

"When a threat is identified, lockdown procedures are implemented immediately. Classrooms are secured, and lockdown is initiated. These are practiced protocols, and our staff follows them without hesitation.

"At the same time, law enforcement is notified right away and responds rapidly. School administration works directly with the Sheriff’s office and Arcadia Police Department while the campus is secured.

"Regarding communication, our first priority during any active situation is safety. We share information with families as soon as it is verified and does not interfere with law enforcement response. That communication is sent through calls, texts, email, and app notifications. The communications for each day were sent as follows: emails - 546, text messages - 278, app users - 358. Additionally, 717 robocalls were made today.

"If some parents did not receive alerts, it is most often because contact information is not current. We strongly encourage every parent to update their information and ensure they are signed up.

"We are also reviewing our data to understand how many families are connected, so we can improve that outreach.

"Our focus is rapid response, student safety, and clear communication, and we will continue to strengthen all three.

"We are #OneDeSoto, all for kids.

"Bobby Bennett, Ed.D.

"Superintendent of Schools"

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