I would like to commend the students, staff, and police departments for their swift actions on Dec. 7 to secure our buildings, ensuring the safety of the students and staff members of the Ignacio School District. While this tragic situation was not at our door, it was certainly in our backyard. I would like to reassure you the plans and practices we have been doing to be sure our students and staff members are safe are very effective.
Due to the swift action of Nathan Atencio, for quickly notifying the office while the situation was taking place, the high school was in lockout by 8:15 and the elementary and middle school within minutes of receiving the call from the district office.
I have heard some concerns about the time of notification to parents, and would again like to say that after we were secure and had the facts of the situation we sent the notification. I would also like to thank parents that have provided some very positive and constructive feedback to us.
I realize that this incident has far-reaching emotional affects. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of our neighboring school district and those here in Ignacio that have been personally touched by this horrific incident.
Kathy Pokorney
Ignacio School District
