Triple Murderer Manhunt Won’t Close Escambia Schools Tuesday

February 7, 2017

Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent Malcolm Thomas has announced that as of 6:15 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6, all schools are set to open at regular times Tuesday morning and all bus routes will operate as normal.

“We are, of course, staying in close communication with local law enforcement as they work to bring the fugitives to justice,” said Malcolm Thomas. “As a grandparent, I understand and share everyone’s concerns. As your school district’s superintendent, I feel that it is imperative that we continue school tomorrow and I assure you that we will also work to be vigilant with our schools’ security.”

“With many of our students’ parents needing to go to work, we would not want to risk parents having to leave their students at home alone,” Thomas added.

Tomorrow, the District will remain in close communication with law enforcement.  If the District is provided with  information involving a threat to any school, school personnel will follow normal protocols to activate lock down procedures to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Comments

7 Responses to “Triple Murderer Manhunt Won’t Close Escambia Schools Tuesday”

  1. Susan on February 7th, 2017 3:57 pm

    PUDDIN. I would rather have the kids in school than at home while parents are working.

  2. anne 1of2 on February 7th, 2017 1:11 pm

    I don’t think this guy would want to hijack “the big yellow” as my kids called them. It would be pretty easy to find one of those in the woods. But then again, he does travel with a woman with orange hair.

  3. ACMC on February 7th, 2017 8:44 am

    Mr Thomas does not believe in closing a school which is without power. As evidenced last year when students went to school after the tornadoes hit the east side of Pensacola and students had school the following morning in dark schools without power.

    So of course he is not going to close for a shooter on the lose. It has nothing to do with consideration for parents nor for children’s safety but because he won’t close schools for any reason at all unless forced to close schools. After all missing school days, means possible make up days.

    While I do agree it is safer for students at the schools (as long as they are locked up tightly so strangers can’t get into the school), I do have concerns about the buses as one person posted.

  4. Tracy on February 6th, 2017 9:45 pm

    I think it is a good idea to have school tomorrow but I don’t believe kids should be playing outside and till this guy is caught

  5. momofbusriders on February 6th, 2017 9:00 pm

    I understand the need for school to continue and school is safer place than kids being home alone…but I sure hope each bus stop has a responsible parent waiting for bus pick up and drop off for all students in this area and surrounding areas. This should be common practice…but now more than ever!

  6. Bob C. on February 6th, 2017 7:59 pm

    Mr. Thomas, Thank You for such a good decision.
    You are absolutely correct about parents not wanting their kids home alone.
    Hopefully, this duo will soon be no longer a threat to the community.
    Much appreciated.

  7. Puddin on February 6th, 2017 7:39 pm

    Well, this makes me want to cuss and rage, I’ll try to hold my temper and tongue.

    A school bus is a very easy thing to highjack. Wouldn’t it be better to just lock down until we find these creeps?

    I think Mr Thomas’s emphasis is on the wrong thing. Instead of worrying about parents having to work, wouldn’t it be better to think of the danger of kids at bus stops?

    Better believe my eyes will be wide open, watching and paying strick attention.

    Mr. Thomas, please reconsider your decision. I hope we don’t all regret it if you don’t.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News