Safety Top Priority At Metuchen Schools, Says Superintendent

METUCHEN, NJ - Superintendent of Metuchen School District, Vincent Caputo, said the safety of students and staff was a top priority of the district, in wake of Tuesday's school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

On Tuesday, a gunman opened fire at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, killing at least 19 students and two teachers.

"I’ve been in touch with the Mayor and police chief. There will be an increased law enforcement presence. Some of it you’ll notice; some of it you won’t. Please know that the health and safety of our staff and students are always our top priority," Caputo said.

Counselors and clinicians are also available to support everyone in the Metuchen community in wake of the tragedy.

In a Facebook message to the community, Mayor Jonathan M Busch assured residents of the safety of students and staff.

"Like so many of you, we are deeply heartbroken and extremely troubled by yesterday’s events in Uvalde, Texas. I just spoke with our Police Chief who has assured me that our Police will continue to carefully monitor our schools to ensure the safety of our children and staff," Busch said.

Although there is no threat to local schools, law enforcement officials across the state have ramped up their presence outside schools out of an abundance of caution.

Acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin said Tuesday that New Jersey State Police will ramp up their presence at the Garden State schools where troopers are the primary law enforcement.

All 21 New Jersey county prosecutors have also been instructed to increase local police presence at schools in their jurisdictions.

"Our students, their families and caregivers, teachers, and school administrators should feel safe in school, and be assured that New Jersey's law enforcement agencies will do everything in their power to protect them," Platkin said in a statement.

Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted Tuesday night that the measure comes despite "no credible threats" in New Jersey.

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