'Concerning incident' triggers lockdown at Springfield high school

A lockdown order has been lifted at the high school and tech center. The all-clear was given at about 3 p.m. Police have not yet said why the school was put on lockdown but they did say the incident started around 12:30 p.m. and multiple departments responded to the scene.


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Good evening parents, students, and staff,

This is the Superintendent, Zach McLaughlin calling with a final update for this evening and a little more information about today's events.

Earlier today, a student informed Springfield High School administration about a potential threat to the building. As a result of that report, Springfield High School and the River Valley Technical Center went into lockdown at approximately 12:30 PM. At that time, law enforcement was contacted. Law enforcement was quick to respond, and officers worked in conjunction with Springfield School District and River Valley Technical Center staff to assess the concern and investigate the matter.

District families and partners were informed via School Messenger that the school complex was in lock down, but that no event had occurred and students were safe. Parents were asked to not approach the school as school personnel and law enforcement worked through their emergency procedures. Parents were also informed that bus schedules could be affected.

At approximately 3:00 PM, law enforcement determined that there was no threat to the building. At that point, students and staff were released for the day. Parents were informed that the all clear had been given. In addition, parents were informed that all district bus runs were operating 45 minutes behind.

Springfield School District would like to thank the following groups for the support it received: the Springfield Police Department, the Weathersfield Police Department, the Chester Police Department, Vermont Fish & Game, Vermont DMV, and the Vermont State Police. In addition, the district thanks staff and students for their calm managing of the day. The district also is appreciative that parents gave staff the opportunity to effectively carry out our emergency protocols.

Springfield School District knows that student safety is our first priority, and we feel that today represents our commitment to keeping our students safe.

Thank you, and I hope you have a good evening.