Release Date: 8/27/2012 Contact: Diana L. Spencer, 410-419-8884

Superintendent Dance stresses that student safety is school system’s paramount concern

TOWSON, MD—Following today’s unfortunate incident and early dismissal, Perry Hall High School plans to reopen tomorrow with normal school hours for students and staff. Extra security will be present on the campus, and the school system’s Traumatic Loss Team will be available to provide counseling and other support. Following is a statement from Dr. S. Dallas Dance, Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools: What happened earlier today is a shock and a tragedy. Speaking on behalf of the entire BCPS community, our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family. This school year, we expect to educate more than 106,000 students in our schools. The safety of students and staff is our paramount concern and priority. Schools must be safe to be conducive for teaching and learning. Our schools have emergency plans in place that are updated annually. Perry Hall High School followed its plan and cooperated with police. As challenging as today was, I am extremely proud of Principal George Roberts and the school community. Students responded maturely, and the faculty, through its quick intervention, saved lives and captured the assailant. We will work together to make this the best school year for Team BCPS.

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