Crest Hill Elementary Placed On Day-long Lockout

Crest Hill Elementary was placed on a lockout today, according to the Natrona County School District's Facebook page.

The lockout occurred, according to the Facebook page, "for an unspecific threat made towards the school. Parents and visitors must ring the doorbell to gain entry into the school today."

District spokesman Kelly Eastes said a domestic situation lead to the decision.

"There was an issue that involves parents of a child at that school, and there were some things said that made us kind of take notice," Eastes said. "So as an absolute precaution we locked out the school today."

The district's risk manager is still talking with Casper Police about when the lockout should be lifted, he said.

A "lockout," according to the district's Safe Schools Office, happens when "heightened awareness is required due to a general safety concern."

Lockout procedures include:

• Lock all external doors (including the main entrance).

• No one exits or enters the building.

• No outside activities, including recess.

• Everyone must remain inside until the situation is declared safe.

A "lockout" is different from a "lockdown" when an immediate and real threat to the school or district has been identified, according to the Safe Schools Office.

Eastes said some schools are locked out all the time.

"Lockout really is what we'd like all the schools to be all the time," he said. "Like at home, you probably have your doors locked when you're at home as a normal course of business."