Police were called to Ark City Middle School after a visitor to the building was said to have dropped a baggie of meth in the main office Friday morning.
Alisha Call, spokesperson for USD 470, confirmed that a message was sent to parents after a delivery driver inadvertently dropped a small bag of white powder while leaving the building. Staff noticed it immediately and reported it to school officers and local police.
A field test indicated the substance was methamphetamine. Call said police are now in charge of an investigation. A city spokesperson confirmed that police were called to the school and that a case has been opened.
So far, no arrests have been made in connection with the investigation.
District officials added that students were never in danger. “We appreciate our staff responding quickly and following safety procedures to keep our schools safe.”
In other district news:
Earlier this week, incidents at Frances Willard led to notifications being sent to parents from the school district.
Call had this to say about that information:
“A Frances Willard staff member is currently on administrative leave. Because this is a personnel matter, I’m unable to share more details. However, we have communicated with families as appropriate while respecting privacy rights.
Also, I understand there may be some confusion regarding another situation. Yesterday (Wednesday), Frances Willard briefly implemented a “lockdown” protocol as a precaution after a report of a suspicious individual outside the building. Law enforcement was called, and all doors remained locked while students stayed in their classrooms. This is a standard safety measure to keep everyone secure while learning continues. Frances Willard families were also sent communication about this.”
The timing of when some of the messages were received by parents may have been confusing, Call said, however, the lockdown and personnel issue were separate matters.
