Lincoln Heights Elementary to remain open

• Village, school district agree on plan for School Resource Officer
• Nearby violence had caused prolonged lockdown
• Plan to be confirmed at Aug. 6 board meeting

Lincoln Heights Elementary will remain open for the upcoming school year.

The Princeton Board of Education posted a notice on the district website, www.princetonschools.net, Wednesday, announcing the decision after a prolonged lockdown prompted Superintendent Gary Pack to question student safety.

Pack had ordered the school locked down from May 14 through the end of the academic year after repeated incidents of violence around the school.

The board has been in negotiations with the Village of Lincoln Heights over the appointment of a school resource officer, or SRO, who would be present on campus during school hours.

Lincoln Heights will shoulder the cost of the officer, according to School Board President Lillian Hawkins.

The safety agreement between the school district and the Village of Lincoln Heights will be confirmed by vote at the Aug. 6 Board of Education meeting.

The Princeton Board of Education explained the plan in the online notice:

“Due to the committed collaboration between the Village of Lincoln Heights and the Princeton City School District, a signed safety agreement has been established which will allows Lincoln Heights Elementary School to open in August pending Board approval at their meeting on August 6.

“The District Administration, school resource officer (SRO), and Lincoln Heights Elementary Principal Mrs. Dawn Bailey will continue to collaborate and work on the safety issues.

“The Princeton District is very concerned and serious about the safety of the students and staff at Lincoln Heights Elementary School and feels that the agreement and the SRO will ensure the best possible, safe learning environment for our students.

“The agreement is a three-year contract.

“Our mission is to do what is best for our students and staff.”

Your turn

Did the Princeton school board make the right decision? How can Lincoln Heights Elementary be made safer?

Comment, below, and Email your thoughts to rmaloney@communitypress.com.