Increased police presence at Marlborough school raises questions among parents

MARLBORO, Mass. — There was an increased police presence at a high school in Marlboro Tuesday following the school shooting in Wisconsin.

The district says this was just a precaution, but some parents question if there was more to it.

“It’s out there, we know that these things happen, so we want to be informed,” said Phil Cosby, whose daughter attends Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School.

The principal of Assabet High School sent a message to parents, saying in part:

“Following recent tragic events in Wisconsin, we have coordinated with our School Resource Officer to enhance our school’s security as a proactive measure. I want to be clear that this increased presence is not in response to any specific threat to our school.”

But parents later learned about an investigation involving a student.

Marlboro Police tell Boston 25 News a student searched something on their school-issued laptop that got flagged, so officers responded and learned there was no credible threat.

“It’s not like we need to know every single detail, but we absolutely have to have, you know the meat of it – and the very important part, is there a threat? Maybe not, maybe there is, but I’m going to make the decision, okay, my daughter should stay home,” said Cosby.

Parents like Phil Cosby say they wish the school district informed them about the incident involving the student and the questionable online search, especially after the school shooting in Wisconsin.

But school leaders tell Boston 25 News: “There was no current or future credible threat made against Assabet today. We have asked our SRO, through the support of the Marlborough Police Department, to look into a student matter.”

“Each parent has the right to know that as a parent to make the best decision for their child,” said Cosby.

In the letter to families, school leaders say the safety of students and staff is their primary concern, and they understand the events in Wisconsin this week can cause more anxiety.

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