The Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation released the following statement on the social media threat that resulted in a Friday afternoon lockdown of its schools;

At the end of the school day today, a student reported to the Mt. Vernon High School administration that they had viewed a threat on social media related to an armed assailant. As our security protocols were enacted, all schools on the Fortville campus were placed on lockdown while police searched for the suspects and secured the campus.

Within five minutes we had 10 officers on campus and within 30 minutes we had approximately 33 officers from nine surrounding law enforcement offices, including: Fortville Police, Indiana State Police, Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, Greenfield Police Department, McCordsville Police Department, Shirley Police Department, Indianapolis Metro Police Department and New Palestine Police Department.

After police had apprehended the suspects off campus and identified that the school was safe, the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation (MVCSC) began systematically releasing students.

Mt. Vernon takes every threat related to student safety seriously. The student who reported the threat should be commended for bringing this to the attention of school administrators.

This is an optimal time to remind students, “if you see something, say something.” Student and staff safety is the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation’s number one priority.

We highly value our close relationship with the local law enforcement. Their swift actions resulted in a positive resolution of the matter, which helped to ensure the safety of our students. We appreciate the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that took place among law enforcement, school administration, parents, and students.

Dr. Jack Parker
MVCSC Superintendent