'Added Precautions' Expected At Concord High After Former Student Inside School Causes Lockdown: Follow-Up

CONCORD, NH — Concord High School was placed on lockdown Thursday morning after reports a former student was inside the school.

Police sent several officers to the school to assist its resource officer just before 8 a.m. after a report from the principal. At just after 8 a.m., Tim Herbert, the superintendent of SAU 8, notified parents the school was in lockdown after “an individual from another school, who does not belong on the CHS campus, was seen in the school.” He said the school was first placed in a secure campus and then put on lockdown.

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“Concord High School administration is working closely with the Concord Police Department to locate this individual and ensure they leave campus,” he said, “The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority.”

Later, officers said a teacher walked the former student to the school’s office, with one officer saying they believed it might be a misunderstanding, since the student attended online classes last year. The former student left the school later. The lockdown was lifted just after 8:15 a.m.

“The person was cooperative and has since left campus,” Herbert said. “There is no ongoing safety concern.”

After identifying the student, dispatch said there might be an active restraining order against them from another student at the school, according to scanner chatter. Officers at the school said the former student had already left and they did not have his exact birthdate to confirm the restraining order.

A couple of hours later, incoming Principal Jim Corkum sent an email to parents saying, as “an added precaution,” there would be “increased police presence” at the school for the rest of the week.

“We understand that a lockdown can cause concern and anxiety for students, staff, and families,” he said. “Please know that the safety of our school community is always our highest priority, and these protocols are in place to ensure everyone’s well-being.”

Corkum, too, commended CHS students “for their awareness and responsibility” in recognizing the student and knowing he did not belong in the building. This, he added, allowed administration to respond quickly.

“We are proud of our students for helping keep our community safe,” Corkum said.

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