Writing on the wall at Medomak Valley High School prompted Principal Harold Wilson to call a 911 emergency and evacuate the school Feb. 26 morning. The writing indicated a bomb threat, prompting immediate action from school officials, town authorities, and emergency personnel.
High school students were safely evacuated to Medomak Middle School next door and then to the Waldoboro Baptist Church shortly after 10 a.m.
Waldoboro Police and fire department secured the scene as soon as all students and staff were a safe distance away. According to an official statement from Waldoboro Police Chief Bill Labombarde, Maine State Police were called and brought two bomb dogs to clear the school.
After an exhaustive search of the school, parking lots, outer buildings and grounds, police were unable to find a device or further evidence of a bomb, ending the search at around 1:15 p.m.
“It went very smoothly due to our leadership and staff,” Maine Administrative District 40 Supt. Pamela Carnahan said at a board meeting later that same night on Feb. 26.
Carnahan said it was probably a long and boring day for the students, but with the help of the church were able to supply food. Students were not sent home immediately, as school was technically still in session.
According to Labombarde, students were released after a normal school day schedule and busses ran at the regularly scheduled times.
“You don’t dismiss students early in this kind of situation,” Carnahan said, adding that they were all “fantastic.”
Wilson said the procedure followed was standard practice during an unusual situation, but they were fortunate in that the students and staff had the Medomak Middle School for use as the initial secure location. He said they haven’t had such a scare in four or five years.
Carnahan said once students and staff were evacuated, the school became a site under direct control of local emergency personnel. It was very secure, she said. People going to and from the middle school had to pass through checkpoints and traffic was closely monitored.
According to Labombarde, two MVHS students have been charged with Terrorizing, which is a felony, for causing the evacuation of a public building. Three MVHS students in all are under close scrutiny by the local police.
Detective Lance Mitchell of the Waldoboro Police is investigating this case and Labombarde said further charges may be forthcoming.
