In a tense moment for the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton (DGF) community, two schools were placed under a temporary hallway lockdown on Tuesday, March 3rd, due to a reported presence of a 'person of concern' near the district. This incident, which sparked concern among parents and students, highlights the delicate balance between ensuring safety and maintaining open communication during such events. But here's where it gets controversial... The Clay County Sheriff's Office, led by Mark Empting, confirmed that there was no direct threat to any school, and law enforcement made contact with the individual involved. While the sheriff's office has not disclosed the identity of the person of concern or the specific situation, the incident has left many families with questions and a sense of uncertainty. Kari Schjerveim, a concerned grandparent with students at both school sites, shared her experience. She expressed her worry when she received word of the lockdown, saying, 'I was pretty concerned, so were their mom and dad. You don't know anything, you just know that they're on a lockdown, but you don't get any more information, except for that.' The uncertainty was compounded by the fact that she had grandchildren at both buildings, adding to the anxiety. 'It's really scary to know and I have a child in the elementary too, a grandson in the elementary,' she said. 'So, we didn't know what was going on.' While the superintendent's letter provided some relief, it also left questions unanswered. 'That was relieving, but not knowing is really hard of what actually is going on,' Schjerveim said. This incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between ensuring safety and maintaining open communication during such events. It also raises questions about the level of information shared with families and the potential impact on their peace of mind. As the DGF community continues to navigate these challenging situations, it is crucial to strike a balance between transparency and safety, ensuring that families feel informed and supported during these tense moments.
