Immediate Security Increase At All Westfield Schools: Officials

WESTFIELD, NJ - Following the arrest of a man armed with a handgun and more than 130 rounds of ammunition in a Westfield Elementary School parking lot, school officials are vowing that short and long term changes are coming.

Below is a statement issued Monday by Superintendent Margaret Dolan and Board of Education President Peggy Oster.

"Following Thursday's events at Tamaques School, the Board of Education wishes to thank
all residents for their outpouring of support for the Westfield Police Department as the details of this active investigation continue to unfold. We are exceedingly grateful for their swift and effective actions.

There is no responsibility we take more seriously than the safety of our students, parents, and staff.

Our three priorities are:

• Maintaining the safety of our school communities, especially our students
• Addressing the security concerns of the community
• Protecting the integrity of the investigation to ensure that justice is served

While Thursday evening's statement from Chief Battiloro was provided strictly to address the immediate details of the arrest, we realize that additional information has begun to circulate, not all of which has been verified.

This remains an active investigation being conducted by the Union County Prosecutor's Office. We recognize questions remain that demand answers and are committed to providing them, once we are able to provide fully investigated answers.

As a reminder, this incident took place after school when different security protocols are in place, which are being addressed immediately.

Doors at each of our 10 schools will remain locked beyond school hours through the end of
the school year, as we begin a formal review.

School administrators and law enforcement will meet this week with the district's security consulting firm, StoneGate Associates, to begin a comprehensive examination.

Chief Battiloro has committed to providing an ongoing police presence in and around Westfield schools all week as we close out the school year; you also will see enhanced security at the middle and high school graduations this week.

While no community is immune to acts of violence, please know that we remain firmly
committed to taking all necessary precautions to keep Westfield schools safe. We will continue to work together over the summer to address our security protocols before the start of a new school year."

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