Local school and police officials investigated a rumor swirling around San Benito High School’s campus May 2 of a “potential school shooting on campus.”
“An immediate, thorough investigation took place, in conjunction with the Hollister Police Department, and we confirmed that the rumors lacked credibility,” said SBHS District Supt. Shawn Tennenbaum in a May 3 email to parents, students and school community. “Despite this, Principal Adrian Ramirez worked to ensure that the appropriate precautions were taken and that we consistently communicated with families and the community to assure that our established protocols were being followed.”
Hollister police officers, including Police Chief David Westrick, provided additional campus security May 2 after being notified of the possible threat to students and staff.
District staff became aware of the situation after hearing “second- and third-hand reports of a rumor that was overheard,” according to a May 2 announcement posted on the school website.
“Regardless of the lack of any credibility, we are working closely with the Hollister Police Department to ensure that all appropriate precautions are being taken,” according to that HSD report. “The campus also, coincidentally, had a false fire alarm at approximately 11:45am this morning. Please note that we have confirmed that there is no connection between the false alarm and the other information in this message.”
There was no other interruptions to the May 2 school day, which was a minimum day schedule ending at 1:45pm.
“We are consistently reflecting on our procedures and protocols based on current events to provide the safest learning environment possible for all students,” Tennenbaum said. “We appreciate the communication from our parents, guardians and school community, as the open dialogue is critical.”
Students who did not attend school Friday (May 3) were marked as absent, “but there will not be punitive measures taken as a result of those absences, due to the situation,” according to Tennenbaum.
