DeLand High is not under lockdown - The West Volusia Beacon

West Volusia Beacon
110 W. New York Ave.
DeLand, FL 32720
386-734-4622

DeLand High is not under lockdown

BEACON FILE PHOTO

Officials investigating rumor, increasing security

By
SPECIAL TO THE BEACON

posted Dec 19, 2012 - 3:55:03pm

Rumors of a lockdown at DeLand High School are false.

A joint press release from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office and Volusia County Schools said that two students told administrators at DeLand High School there was going to be a shooting on Thursday.

An investigation was initiated.

The student who reported that the shooting was posted on a Facebook page was interviewed, and reportedly was not able to provide any specific details about the source.

The joint release said, "Students who reported overhearing chatter on campus also have been interviewed and are continuing to be interviewed, but thus far, no one has reported hearing anyone actually talking about planning to commit the shooting. It has just been students talking about rumors and what they've overheard from others, with no actual corroboration or substantiation of any actual threat.

"The Sheriff's Office and the school are proactively addressing the rumors with information to students and parents and are continuing to investigate and conduct interviews. But it's important to note that so far, we haven't spoken to anyone who has first-hand knowledge of an actual threat. Still, the rumors are persisting on campus and are being perpetuated through social networks. As a result, in addition to the investigation and efforts at rumor control, there will be an increased law enforcement presence on campus today and tomorrow as a precaution. This will include a presence from the DeLand Police Department in addition to the school resource deputy and the extra security measures that had already been implemented by the Sheriff's Office earlier this week."

— info@beacononlinenews.com

Reader Comments

The comments posted below are posted by readers, not by The Beacon staff. These comments express the views and opinions of the authors, and not the administrators, moderators or webmaster. The comments forum is governed by these rules. Please use the report abuse link if you find offensive comments.

citizen | posted Dec 20, 2012 - 10:51:15am

ds, according to USA today and their poll Connecticut ranks 7th in the country in funding for education. Funding did not prevent a tragedy like Sandy Hook. There needs to be thinking outside the box like Orange County is doing right now.

report abuse

Teacher | posted Dec 20, 2012 - 10:11:44am

To no-no kid: If your friends want to commit suicide because they have to do "catch up work", perhaps they could avoid "catch up work" by actually going to school each day and actually doing their work in class. And if tardiness is problem for your friends...ummm why? Get to school on time, just like you'll have to get to work on time in the future. Really, kid, suicide? Give me a break!

report abuse

ds | posted Dec 20, 2012 - 10:04:15am

Citizen there needs to be more of a focus on the schools with regards to education. We are failing more at providing our kids a decent education than we are at providing them a safe place to go. All it takes is the will to fund our future at a decent level.

report abuse

Oh you poor things | posted Dec 20, 2012 - 8:57:47am

Being expected to get to school on time?? And do assignments?? Oh the horror!! Someone call whine one one!! Puuuhhleeeezeee..

report abuse

no-no kid | posted Dec 19, 2012 - 9:59:41pm

I wouldn't be surprised if it actually happened, there are some kids at this school who get too stressed out by their assignments, parents, and peers. Some of my closest friends have admitted that they have contemplated suicide because of the "catch-up work"they have to do now. What doesn't help is all the new policies this school has implemented to combat tardiness.

report abuse

lg | posted Dec 19, 2012 - 7:07:11pm

I think it is sick for people to call all these in.Dont they have respect for the kids familys who lost there lives.

report abuse

citizen | posted Dec 19, 2012 - 4:05:26pm

There needs to be more of a focus on the schools in Volusia County with regards to safety. Orange County is doing the right thing by adding law enforcement. I wonder if Volusia County will do this. I also wonder what type training the 13-15 law enforcement agencies here have with regards to preventing/stopping somebody with firearms at a school. The VolusiaExposed website brought out some good points concerning school safety.

report abuse

Comment on this article

Commenting is closed for this article.

If you would like to contribute a letter to the editor, please click here.

Did you find this story interesting or informative? Subscribe to The West Volusia Beacon to read more stories by , along with others from our award-winning writers. Subscribe now!

Home - News - Sports - Obituaries - Classifieds - Entertainment - Find a... Directory - Opinions - Forums - News About You
Photos - Real Estate - Newcomer's Guide - Beacon Magazines - Advertise - Local Web Sites - About Us - Beacon Archives