BCAT News

Students at Burlington High School were on lockdown Tuesday morning after a malfunction in the security system. 

“Somehow it activated, which sent us into lockdown. We didn’t know it was that, so we took it as the real deal,” said Assistant High School Principal Rick Sheehan. “We practice these things, and we practice them for a reason, and it worked.” 

“While these situations are unsettling, our staff and the BPD responded promptly and professionally,” Principal Mark Sullivan said in an email. “While an unfortunate incident, I think it is a positive that our school was able to enact our protocols and demonstrate that, in the event of a real emergency, we are prepared to respond and to keep people safe. I am also grateful for the BPD and their continued support and partnership in our commitment to having a safe and secure campus.”

“Everyone responded exactly as they should have,” said Superintendent Dr. Eric Conti. “The police were fantastic, they were here in under a minute. I certainly don’t hope for this kind of disruption, but this was a malfunction of the system, and everyone followed the protocols well.” 

Classes were similarly disrupted at the high school late last school year after a lockdown notice went out during service to the system. Conti said the false alarms or malfunctions should be investigated, but “It’s better than not having the system in place.” 

Amid Tuesday’s uncertainty, some students called or texted their parents as cars were held along the high school entry road. Worried parents tried to get information and rumors flew as parents shared texts and videos from their children. 

“My daughter texted me around 9:02 and she said we’re in lockdown, it’s not a drill. She said she’s scared, they’re taking it seriously,” said BHS parent Lucy Paige. “She said cops are checking each room, it doesn’t usually take this long. She was petrified. She said the cops had assault rifles, which scared her.” 

The Burlington Police Department wrote on social media that they would maintain a strong police presence throughout the day. “There is a large police presence at Burlington High School for a security alarm that was activated. There is no active threat at the High School. The Police Department will continue to ensure the safety and security throughout the day,” they wrote. 

Many parents dismissed their children early, but once the lockdown was lifted, the school day continued as normal.