Denver metro schools increase security after Texas mass shooting

School districts on Wednesday said they are increasing the security on their campuses during the final weeks of the academic year following a mass shooting at a Texas elementary school a day earlier.

At least 19 young children and two teachers — all in the same fourth-grade classroom – were killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday when a shooter opened fire.

Denver Public Schools said in a statement that the district’s Department of Safety and Denver police will have “an increased uniformed presence in and around our schools” for the next two weeks and is making mental health professionals available to students. The last day of school is June 3.

“At Denver Public Schools, the safety of our students is of the utmost importance,” the district said in a statement. “Our school teams already have safety policies, plans and procedures in place.”

Boulder Valley School District has increased security, including the addition of Boulder police officers, at Casey Middle School following rumors of a possible threat against the school, according to a letter principal Gabriela Renteria sent to families on Wednesday.

The school learned Tuesday about a rumor circulating on social media “about a possible threat against Casey Middle School, involving a student.” Not much is known about the nature of the threat, other than it focused on Thursday, which is the last day of school, according to the district.

Local law enforcement is investigating the possible threat, Renteria said.

“This morning I met with our staff and welcomed the additional BVSD security and Boulder Police department officers who will be providing additional security at the building today,”  Renteria wrote. “Our goal is to continue forward with school as normal as possible. We will try to celebrate the end of this school year, while doing everything we can to keep students and staff safe.”

The school is also making counselors, school psychologists and other mental health professionals available to students.