ESCANABA — The student who allegedly threatened to commit a school shooting at the Escanaba Senior High School last week has been permanently expelled from school. The decision was made after the Escanaba School Board met in executive session Monday.

According to Superintendent Coby Fletcher, the board discussed what disciplinary action should be taken against the student.

At about 12:34 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, Escanaba Public Safety responded to the high school after receiving a report that threats had been made by a student.

After further investigation, the student was taken into police custody and lodged at Bay Pines Juvenile Detention Facility in Escanaba. The case has been sent to the Delta County Prosecutor’s Office.

The unanimous vote to approve the expulsion was held in open session.

“It was tough but necessary,” said Fletcher. “We just have to take this as seriously as possible.”

In light of the recent events locally and nationally, security measures have increased in the Escanaba Area School District. High school and elementary school principals told the school board Monday about various security precautions taken at each building.

Webster Elementary School Principal Craig LeClaire said both Webster and Soo Hill Elementary have established positive entry control systems (buzzer systems). In addition, LeClaire explained he and the front desk secretary can see who is coming to the main entrance at Webster with the use of security cameras.

“There’s a camera on my desk and I can see exactly who walks in,” said LeClaire, adding if the secretary doesn’t know the person coming to the door, she can use the prompter system to ask the person to state what their business is. “Having those buzzer systems are really nice,” LeClaire added.

Lemmer Elementary has an entrance that directs visitors to the main office, noted LeClaire.

The K-6 buildings also have perimeter fencing that is clear to enable continuous monitoring. There is always an adult present when students are outside of the school building, explained LeClaire.

At the Upper Elementary school (EUE), Principal Steve Martin, said the doors now have monitors to sign in visitors and distribute identification badges. This concept is also followed at the senior and junior high.

Signs throughout the different Escanaba schools direct visitors to designated building entrances and office check-in points, noted Martin. More exterior lighting has also been added to the EUE, added Martin.

Junior and Senior High Principal Darci Griebel, said 90 percent of the classrooms have nightlock door-boot devices in the interior doors that help enhance the locking of doors.

School safe zones in case of emergencies are established and communication systems that provide teachers and other staff to stay in touch with each other throughout the school day are also made readily available, noted Griebel.

Griebel noted staff and faculty take part in monitoring hallways, stairwells and restrooms during school hours.

“With our staff, we put them through a whole slew of different training and try to throw things at them left and right,” said Griebel.

The lunch staff will most likely be a part of the faculty informational drills, which includes active shooter and crisis response teams.

As for students, Griebel explained there are a number of mandatory drills that students are involved in every year including lockdown, fire drills, and severe weather. All schools must also conduct regular state-mandated exercises and drills, which are listed on the school’s website at www.eskymos.com/parents/drill_reports/.

In other action, the board approved Fletcher applying for for a pre-Labor Day school start waiver and to change the school’s graduation requirements through the state of Michigan. These action were made to further the application of an early college program at Escanaba schools.

The next school board meeting will be held on Monday, April 9, at 6 p.m. at the Escanaba Upper Elementary Courtyard Room.