Student threats leave parents concerned

Harrison School District 2 addressed a rumor Wednesday that Sierra High School was on lockout for the third straight day.

“No, that’s not true, we were never on lockout,” said Christine Lyle, district spokeswoman. “It was business as usual.”

However, Lyle confirmed the school was on lockout for two hours after lunch Tuesday, and during lunch Monday, because police said unspecified threats were made by students at Mitchell High School in District 12 toward Sierra students.

During a lockout schools lock exterior doors and don’t allow anyone in or out, but otherwise continue as usual.

Lyle declined an interview on the matter, saying Colorado Springs police are investigating. Police did not return calls from KRDO NewsChannel 13 requesting an interview.

Sierra had a strong presence by police and security personnel at the end of the day Wednesday, apparently as a safety precaution.

According to many parents, the threats stem from a disturbance at an area carnival last weekend.

“Kids were coming there specifically to fight,” said a woman who requested anonymity. “I was there and I saw it happen. It was crazy.”

Lyle also addressed a rumor that school proms may be rescheduled or cancelled next month as a safety measure — a possibility that also had families concerned. She said proms will be held as scheduled.

A Sierra student who said he’s on the planning committee for his prom doubted it would be cancelled.

“As of today, no one’s said anything to me about it,” he said.

Many students and parents said they still had heard little or nothing about the threats and are frustrated that more information isn’t available.

District 11 spokeswoman Devra Ashby said she was unaware of Mitchell students making threats.

Lyle said contrary to other rumors, students at Harrison High School in District 2 are not involved in the threats.