Indian River schools increase security

Facebook rumors ran rampant recently prompting Indian River school officials to take extra precaution Dec. 21 at district schools.

Superintendent Susan Bunting said district schools would have police officers in uniform stationed at every district school. Students also could enter the school building through a single entrance, she said.

Rumors had circulated about something happening at Sussex Central High School even before the tragic shooting in Connecticut last week, said Dave Maull, spokesman for the Indian River School District.

"The good thing is if it's on social media, we investigate thoroughly," he said.

Bunting said district officials investigated each of the rumors and found them to be without merit. State police resource officers stationed at Sussex Central and Indian River high schools assisted with the investigation, Maull said.

"The safety and security of students continues to be our No. 1 priority. However, any parent who does not wish to send his or her child to school on Friday can obtain an excused absence by providing a note to the school staff," Bunting wrote in statement posted on the district website.