A day after events within the Mohawk school system, Superintendent Joyce Caputo said the district is beginning an investigation into what occurred on Tuesday.
On Tuesday, a lockdown was iniated within the Mohawk Central School District which was the result of an argument between some students and a 15-year-old Mohawk boy, who later left the school. Police later found the boy.
Caputo said many things are still confidential at this point and that two separate things are going on simultaneously, a school investigation and a police investigation.
She said a decision on school discipline will be instituted following the school investigation.
“Student issues are confidential. We do this for all Mohawk families to ensure confidentiality of students and their rights,” said Caputo.
Caputo said the lockdown procedure is part of the district’s safety plan, which is reviewed at the beginning of each year by faculty, staff and students. The procedures, such as an evacuation, are then practiced each year.
Another part of the process is a debrief, in which school officials will review what happened, in this case the lockdown, and see if any changes should be made said Caputo.
She said the safety plan was previously forwarded to police agencies, civil defense agencies and any Herkimer County agency that deals with emergency situations.
“At all times, we will continue to ensure the safety of students and staff, we take this very seriously and err on the side of caution,” said Caputo.
On Wednesday at 2:15 p.m., under a recommendation from Mohawk Police, Harry M. Fisher Elementary School and Gregory B. Jarvis Junior-High School went into a lockdown.
By 3:15 p.m., bus students were released to their buses at both schools with police presence.
Caputo said Mohawk Police Chief Joseph Malone lifted the lockdown at 4 p.m. and students were released at that time to parents and guardians. The last students released were shuttle bus students at the elementary school.
She said in this day and age, with cell phone and text messaging capabilities, rumors were flying. But despite this, she said, everyone remained calm.
Caputo commended students, staff and parents for their calm manner and assistance.
“I have nothing but respect for everyone involved. This was handled with professionalism, calmness and understanding,” said Caputo.
“I appreciate those who said and believe that we take (student’s) safety above everything else important,” added Caputo.
Jarvis Principal Edward Rinaldo said Wednesday was a normal routine and also commended those everyone involved for a job well done on Tuesday.
Multiple calls to Mohawk Police were not returned.