Security tightened in Putnam Valley schools

PUTNAM VALLEY – A recent incident at the Putnam Valley High School has resulted in the school district implementing added security measures.

Superintendent Jeremy Luft said a student from another district who was accompanied by a Putnam Valley child, boarded a school bus and upon arrival at the high school “briefly entered the building. When it was determined the individual did not present a threat, the student was escorted off campus. This was clearly a violation of our security protocols.”  

Luft said the district conducted an incident debrief that included district administration, staff, law enforcement, and our school security consultants.  “Immediate changes were made to our protocols to better prevent an incident like this from happening again,” he said.

Enhanced security measures now include a monitor stationed at the front entrance of the high school each morning and during departure and arrival to and from BOCES. All students now enter through the two doors on the left side of the building. 

The district bus company has confirmed that only students on the official roster are permitted to board a school bus.

Luft stressed that “student and staff safety remains our top priority which we will continue to strive to always improve.  Our schools remain extremely safe, and Putnam Valley continues to serve as a model for many districts throughout our region.”