This morning at 8:32 AM Hancock Central School Officials were contacted by the New York State Police regarding an ongoing investigation involving the parent or guardian of one of our students. At the recommendation of law enforcement, and per District protocol, we cancelled our morning program and implemented a school lockout for the elementary and middle/high school buildings. The school community was notified at approximately 8:50 AM via School Messenger, staff and internal e-mail, the District’s website, and social media channels. New York State Police, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies and officers from Hancock Police Department were present on the campus throughout the morning and remained in close contact with District officials. At 9:50 AM, after discussion with law enforcement, it was determined it was appropriate to lift the lockout.

At approximately 12:15 PM Hancock Central School Officials were contacted by the New York State Police and Hancock Police Department with additional information they learned through the course of their investigation. While there was no specific threat to any student, faculty, staff member, or school facility, out of an abundance of caution, and at the recommendation of law enforcement, the District immediately implemented an early dismissal plan and cancelled afterschool activities. Parents and guardians were notified at approximately 12:40 PM via School Messenger, the District’s website, and social media channels that students would be dismissed at 1:45 PM. Dismissal occurred without incident.

District officials continue to work closely with the New York State Police, Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies, and the Hancock Police Department to ensure their investigation can come to a swift and safe conclusion, and as such we are not able to share as much information as we would like to at this stage. The safety of our school community has and will continue to guide all our decisions. Together with law enforcement we will share information as soon as it is appropriate to do so.

Updates will continue to be provided through the District’s outreach channels.