Washington schools will increase police presence temporarily

WASHINGTON — Local law enforcement will step up its presence in Washington school buildings for the next few days, after a shooting at Perry High School in central Iowa on Thursday morning killed at least one person and wounded multiple others.

In an email to the Washington school district, Superintendent Willie Stone and Washington Police Chief Jim Lester said officials saw “no indication of an active threat” in Washington, but that law enforcement would be more active at the buildings in the near future.

“Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increase in police presence in our schools over the next couple of days,” read the message, signed by both Stone and Lester. “The Safety and Security of our school community remains our top priority.”

The message went on to urge students to use school resources as they process the news coming out of Dallas County.

“We know that some students may struggle to process terrible news like this,” the letter said. “Our school counselors and NESTT personnel are available and ready to help out as needed. We encourage students to stop by the counseling office at their school at any time if they need support.”

Both Perry and Washington schools returned from winter break on Thursday. The shooter in Perry was dead by Thursday afternoon according to a report from the Associated Press. Dallas County Sheriff Adam Infante also confirmed in a press conference that there was “no further danger to the public.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com