RSU 13 cancels classes following student’s death; district to increase police presence and offer support
By Connor Clement, Russ Reed
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ROCKLAND, Maine (WMTW) — RSU 13 will cancel regular classes on Monday, November 24, and Tuesday, November 25, following the death of a student who was struck by a bus in Rockland on Friday. The district had initially informed staff that schools would reopen Monday.
In a letter to families on Sunday afternoon, Superintendent John McDonald wrote:
“We know this has been a very difficult weekend for our students and for the broader community. At this time, we are announcing that Monday, November 24th and Tuesday, November 25th will not be regular school days. We look forward to bringing all students back into their familiar environments on Monday, December 1st to restore a sense of routine and continue to provide support.”
The letter also detailed plans to provide support during the two-day closure. South School (30 Broadway, Rockland) and Oceanside High School (400 Broadway, Rockland) will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for families, students, and staff who need counseling or emotional support. All other schools in the district will remain closed.
McDonald addressed concerns about social media posts circulating after the accident, which may have caused anxiety among staff, students, and families. He stated that there will be an increased law enforcement presence at the two open schools this week, along with additional personnel from neighboring districts and agencies to support students and staff.
“We encourage all parents and guardians to please remind your students that it is okay to ask for help from adults in their lives,” McDonald wrote.
The student was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries on Friday and later flown to Maine Medical Center in Portland. Rockland Police Chief Tim Carroll confirmed Saturday that the child succumbed to their injuries. The crash remains under investigation, with Rockland police coordinating with the Knox County district attorney’s office.
The superintendent emphasized that the district will continue to communicate promptly if any changes to the current plan become necessary and encouraged families with specific concerns about their children to reach out to their schools.
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