Monday Update from Dr. Lenart
October 10, 2022
Dear Lake Forest Community High School,
I want to reach out to you prior to our return to school tomorrow. Over the past several days, I have had many thoughtful conversations with members of our community. I have received messages of encouragement, fear, frustration, and disdain. I have been told that some have interpreted any ambiguity in the information shared as a lack of care and concern. That could not be further from the truth.
During incidents such as these, a myriad of disparate information comes at us rapidly and our team works hard to expediently sort through each data point and verify it. While, for a variety of reasons, we cannot always provide a full spectrum of specific information in the immediate aftermath of an incident, it is my commitment to you that I will continue to update our school and community as quickly as information can be verified - as long as it does not impede any investigation(s). To that end, I would like to address several of the questions that I have received and address your concerns.
Are the three recent incidents related to each other?
Incident 1: On Monday, September 26th, our Administration received a report of a student on campus watching a video about weapons. The student was not aware that he was being recorded. This incident was promptly handled by our Administration in accordance with our student code of conduct. After our investigation, this incident was not deemed to be a threat to LFHS.
Incident 2: On Thursday, October 6, a single unspent bullet was discovered and reported in a well-traveled throughway in the Library at Lake Forest High School. My team promptly responded and began our investigation, receiving statements from the student who found the bullet, the library and other school staff, and watching video surveillance. We did conduct a search and questioning of students in the general vicinity for a prolonged period of time, and reviewed information on students who have been presenting with both discipline or emotional concerns.
Incident 3: On Saturday, October 8, a school evacuation map, graffitied with an image of a potential location for a school shooter, a derogatory statement directed toward a staff member, a drawing of a swastika, and a student name included as a supposed “signature.'' was discovered and reported. Our administrative team evacuated the building and worked alongside LFPD to interview and investigate students who were in the vicinity of the bathroom. As of Saturday evening, our local police department provided the school with confirmation that three students, at differing levels of involvement, had immediate knowledge of and/or were responsible for the graffitied evacuation map. The LFHS Code of Conduct will apply for any of the school-based, disciplinary procedures. (Board Policy 7:190)
We know that the individual who was reported watching the video (Incident 1) is not involved in Saturday’s incident with the graffitied evacuation map; we believe that these two specific incidents are unrelated.
At this time, we have not identified the individual(s) who left the bullet or the intent behind it. It was discovered in a busy area through which hundreds of students pass each day.
Were other bullets found? Other rumors?
It was alleged in a rumor on Friday that a second bullet had been found. Once we investigated, we determined that rumor was unfounded. There were other rumors that surfaced Friday, and when presented with each one, we swiftly and promptly interviewed students or staff. In every single case to date, these allegations were determined to be unsubstantiated rumors.
If you don’t hear the information from me, it likely isn’t true or is still being considered confidential or private, as releasing it might compromise another investigation. I would not compromise student and staff safety by withholding information.
What consequences will be given to the individuals who are responsible for the graffitied evacuation map?
School and police investigations and subsequent consequences are confidential. As noted earlier, the LFHS Code of Conduct will apply for any of school-based, disciplinary procedures. (Board Policy 7:190)
What about our rights? Don’t we deserve to know the specifics?
The safety of our school community remains our top priority. I have heard from some who want to know the outcome of an investigation, to ensure that potential threats have been removed from our school community. Though I am limited in what I can disclose with regard to specifics, I would never allow for any known individual who poses a threat to our students and staff to be present in our building.
What are you doing to keep our students safe and supported?
As Dr. Montgomery has shared in his recent Board report, the District has undertaken a comprehensive safety and security review. We are working with a third-party expert who audited our buildings and grounds over the summer, and again early this fall when school was in session. We are awaiting that report this month and will share those results with the Board in November.
As part of our facilities master plan work, we are also upgrading our security camera system throughout the building. We will continue to be vigilant in review of our current camera footage, and pursue leads as they arise. We will also continue to have increased police presence on our campus. We have numerous staff stationed at the front and rear commons, including security. All other entrances are locked. We are fortunate in that four of our six safety and security personnel are retired police officers.
Our drop-in center for students who are feeling anxious or under stress is available as are our psychologists and social workers in Room 160. As a reminder, every student is a part of a core team, and we have certified staff members available for their support. With over 1,400 students, I have communicated with you so that the dialogue within our homes reflects our current reality and keeps our ears and eyes open, in hope that new information will continue to surface.
Finally, in all aspects of LFHS life, we will always act with care, caution, and vigilance. Our students and you deserve no less.
Most respectfully,
Erin