Man falls through classroom ceiling at Gadsden school prompting boost in security measures
Incident at Episcopal Day School Highlights Security Concerns
GADSDEN, Ala. — An alarming incident occurred at Episcopal Day School (EDS) when a man fell through the ceiling of a classroom Wednesday morning. Initially allowed entry at 8:00 a.m., he was mistakenly thought to be a sibling of a student. However, staff soon realized he was a stranger when he inquired about job applications and left his contact information. After leaving the office, questions arose about his exit from the premises, leading to a search of the school by staff members.
Three hours later, a teacher alone in a classroom witnessed the man falling from the ceiling and promptly alerted others, leading to immediate barricading and a 911 call. A large police response ensued, with at least 30 officers from various departments conducting a thorough search of the building. They ultimately determined the intruder had fled after the commotion.
Headmistress Cheryl Moorer stated plans to press charges against the man and announced new security measures, including additional interior locks and cameras. Acknowledging the lapse in security protocols, Moorer introduced a “No Entry” policy requiring visitors to verify their identity before entering. She emphasized the school’s commitment to safety, stating that protecting the children outweighs the inconvenience of increased security measures. The incident has sparked significant concern regarding the procedures for visitor access, prompting a reassessment of safety practices at the school.
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