Alto ISD explains lockdown
RAY DESPAIN, ED. D. Rusk

Many of you saw on television or heard that Alto Schools were in a "lockdown" Monday afternoon. This action was taken strictly as a precautionary measure, and lasted only a short time. I had received a report from the Alto Police Chief that a student who had been involved in an altercation off campus the day before was being apprehended, might be considered dangerous and might try to flee from the residence where he was located.

At no time was any student or staff member in any danger. While the staff and administration of the school deal with facts only, we cannot stop "rumors" and/or "fabrications" of these facts. We did take this situation very seriously and felt the lockdown was a necessary measure due to heightened awareness in light of recent tragic situations in schools. I can assure each of you that each child's safety is our number one priority.

Thank you for your support of Alto schools and the dedicated people who work here. If you have any comments, concerns, or questions, I will be glad to visit with you in person at the Alto ISD administration building.

Dr. DeSpain is the superintendent of the Alto Independent School District.