SABATTUS — An altercation between two students at Oak Hill Middle School on Tuesday evening is being investigated by the Sabattus Police Department, said Superintendent Andrew Carlton.
In a written statement released by the superintendent’s office, one of the students involved “was in possession of weapon,” however, Sabattus police have maintained “that at no time was there a threat to Oak Hill Middle School or any other schools in RSU #4.”
As classes were in session, the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office was on school grounds Wednesday and maintained a presence in the area, said Carlton in the statement. Two Sabattus patrol officers were present at the school as well.
During the Board of Directors meeting Wednesday night, Carlton addressed the incident but provided little additional information.
“I need to make it really clear that at no time was there a threat made to the building or anyone in the building, however, it was a scary situation for everybody,” he said. “I really can’t say much more with regards to that due to confidentiality and other issues.”
The students have not been named and officials have been unavailable for further comment.
During public comment, a parent only identified as Laura expressed her disappointment that there wasn’t more information available for the school community.
“It’s pretty concerning,” she said. “I think it would warrant a review of (putting) a resource officer back in our district. I know we don’t have one currently, haven’t had one for a little while.”
Carlton said the district continues to budget for a school resource officer, however the Sabattus police department is unable to spare an officer because they are understaffed.
“I did have a conversation recently with the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office about that possibility,” he said. “There is a significant financial cost to that. That’s something we should talk about at budget time should Sabattus be unable to provide us one. I do agree that a SRO is a necessary thing for our school district.”
Superintendent Andrew Carlton wrote a letter to the RSU 4 school community Wednesday morning addressing an altercation between two students at Oak Hill Middle School Tuesday night.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
