Safety a concern in possible student walk-out at Woodmore Local School District

WOODVILLE ― A possible Woodmore Local School District student walkout Friday has local authorities concerned for the safety of students, prompting an increased police presence.

Woodville Chief of Police Steven Gilkerson issued a statement and clarified the role of police in any possible event.

"It's just standard precautions. We will have extra officers patrolling in the area, just to ensure that if anything does take place, we have extra staff on hand to assist in any way needed," Gilkerson said. "The school will handle the school end as needed. In our regard, we are just here to ensure everyone's safety and will handle things as they come about."

Gilkerson didn't want to speculate on the reason for the rumors of protest, but in a letter issued by Woodmore School Superintendent Mary Schaeffer it was "to protest a personnel matter."

There are possible repercussions for students who take part. The letter issued by Schaeffer states that students "who leave school grounds without proper permission ... are subject to disciplinary action and may be charged with truancy.

"Any minutes/hours missed will count towards a student's accumulated absence hours for that school year."

Return for updates.

rlapointe@gannett.com

419-332-2674