Poplar Bluff R-1 Superintendent Scott Dill made the decision this morning to place the early childhood, middle and junior high schools on lockdown as a precautionary measure after receiving word that a possibly armed fugitive had been spotted nearby. Dill said the timing was inopportune, as it happened in the midst of morning drop off, but that safety was his primary concern.
Dill said administrators at each building responded to the situation differently, which may have caused confusion for parents. Dill said he will engage with administrators about proper procedures at a later date, but today his focus is on addressing the current situation and maintaining student safety until the suspect, Andrew Millican, is apprehended.
"My decision to lock down the schools was a precautionary measure," Dill said. "This is a police issue, not a school issue, but after receiving word an armed suspect was fleeing on foot in close proximity to our schools, protecting the kids is what I needed to do."
Middle school principal Brad Owings announced the lockdown over the intercom of the middle school. Dill said Owings and his staff cleared the hallways, ushering students into the closest classrooms, where they were contained until school began.
Outside, students were transferred from the buses directly into the gymnasium, Dill said, while those who were still with their parents were directed to remain inside the vehicles and leave the middle school's campus.
"They dispersed their parent drop off," Dill said, "and for the parents who chose to keep their children at home, I understand. Students will not be penalized for today's absences."
Board of Education President John Scott said he understands and supports Dill in his decision to secure the facilities.
"We're always going to take the necessary steps to go above and beyond to ensure our kids are safe," Scott said.
This is the second day R-1 has had to lock down some of its schools. Shortly after the manhunt began Wednesday following a shoplifting incident at 10Box, the Kindergarten Center and Three Rivers College, among other nearby businesses, were placed on lockdown. The suspect was thought to have taken refuge in a 13 acre wooded area behind the school. The Kindergarten Center remained locked down throughout the day with additional police security.
At the direction of Dill, bus riders who live in the neighborhood behind the Kindergarten Center and 10Box were not to be dropped off to an empty home. He directed staff to make arrangements for any student who might be placed in a potentially unsafe situation.