According to school officials, police responded to Vance Elementary School in New Britain after staff received a threatening call Monday morning and could not detect any threat.

The principal said there may be increased police presence at New Britain schools on Tuesday as a precautionary measure. He said they expect school operations to return to normal on Tuesday.

Tony Gasper, superintendent of the Consolidated School District of New Britain, told families that Vance Elementary School administration imposed a lockdown after the main office received a threatening phone call and subsequently called New Britain police and the school administration’s security team.

During a press conference, he said that office staff received a threatening phone call around 11 a.m. saying an armed person was in the building.

The building was immediately cordoned off and police responded very quickly. They searched the school thoroughly and found no threat in the school or on the grounds, the superintendent said.

“Events such as today’s cause great concern to our entire school community. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority and I want to thank our security team and the New Britain Police Department for their quick and professional response,” Gasper wrote in his letter.

He stressed that no threat had been identified.

“However, we must recognise the impact these repeated incidents are having on our students, staff and families. The disruption of classes, coupled with the heightened anxiety caused by these incidents and lockdowns, is unacceptable,” he added.

“Our children deserve to feel safe and secure at school, and these incidents simply have to stop,” Gasper wrote.

He said this is a challenge not only in New Britain, but throughout the United States.

“Our children’s education and well-being are being compromised by circumstances that should never become routine. It is imperative that we work together as a community, state and nation to address the root causes and put an end to these threats to our schools,” Gasper wrote.

“We remain committed to providing a safe learning environment for every student, and we will continue to review and enhance our safety protocols in partnership with local law enforcement. I encourage open dialogue and collaboration as we work together to protect our schools and our children’s futures,” he added.