Thwarted Bomb Plot Doesn't Stop Freedom High School's First Day

Despite last week’s news of a thwarted bomb attack on , incoming sophomore Tre Watson wasn’t worried about safety this morning.

“I’m not concerned at all,” he said. “I’m excited for the year actually.”

Students filed into Freedom this morning for the first day of class – the same day police say expelled student Bomb-sniffing dogs swept the school overnight and officials “checked everything” prior to this morning’s opening, Superintendent MaryEllen Elia said.

While some say news of the bomb plot created a dark cloud over Freedom this school year, Elia sees it as more of a good story.

The threat “was a perfect scenario for the police department and law enforcement and the school system to work together,” she said. “That’s what our plan is, and that’s exactly what happened. They immediately got on it … and took care of the situation.”

An unnamed tipster led authorities to the apartment of Cano where they found “minute-by-minute” details to blow up the school, as well as bomb-making materials and marijuana he had been cultivating.

Addressing the media across the street from Freedom this morning, Elia said her heart didn’t sink when she learned that someone allegedly had a wicked plan for the school of 2,100 students.

“No, I felt so blessed that someone had been responsible enough to report what they thought was a potential problem,” she said, adding she is also thankful the school district has such a good partnership with area law enforcement.

"A few extra" officers were at Freedom for the first day, Elia said, though there are always officers on scene for the first day of school. 

District spokeswoman Linda Cobbe last week said Freedom would have a team made up of guidance counselors, a nurse, social workers and psychologists ready to talk with students on the first day of class.

On his way to class and running late, another teen said he was not worried about safety today at Freedom.

"No, not at all," said the youth, who did not provide his name.

The thwarted bomb plot was not the only negative news to hit Freedom High School recently. On Friday, former teacher  with a 16-year-old student. He is a former Wharton High School and Notre Dame standout who spent time in various NFL camps, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.