Ockerman: Confusion Looms Over School Security Threat

The Boone County School District is now confirming a “Practice” Safety Drill was held at Ockerman Elementary, on the same day a “Rumored” Security Lockdown at Ockerman Middle School took place.

The District claims it was by “Coincidence” only that the drill occurred at the same time. Spokesperson Barbara Brady says a Transfer Student represented himself to others as a student who had been removed from another school in a “different district” for possessing a weapon.  The student “intentionally” misrepresented himself to cause the confusion, and “When the information got back to the Principal, he was able to clear it up immediately,” said Brady.

On Thursday March 20, 2025, parents of Ockerman Middle School received an email from the school’s Principal, Dr. Mike Poiry, stating throughout the day there was a rumored safety event at the school, but there was never a lockdown, and there was “never a threat.”  On the same day, students from Ockerman Middle School and Ockerman Elementary School relayed to us that they had been placed on a Lockdown.  These students came forward at various times and ways of communication, as parents raised their concerns.  

We also communicated with several educators from the Ockerman Campus who informed us there was a Security Event, and that the confusion experienced during the event was unacceptable. Though others denied the event, we have no reason not to believe those who confirmed it.

Students of both schools stated they were alerted via the PA System; claiming the alert clarified the event was, “Not A Drill.”  Students at the Elementary school noted they were placed in the back corners of their rooms while doors were locked, and windows were covered. Those rooms were not unlocked until a school Administrator came to their door to give the all-clear. Students described feeling scared; also recalling their teachers who looked “scared” as well.

In an email from April 1, 2025, Boone County Schools stated there was “Never a Lockdown” at the Middle School, and there was “Never a Threat.” 

Was the situation downplayed? You will have to make that determination on your own.

Six Students and Three Staff from the Ockerman Campus confirmed the Lockdown. 

The District says it didn’t happen, but confirms a “Practice Drill” which just happened to coincide with the Rumored Lockdown next door.

Our goal in publishing this story is transparency; at best, we’re left with a conflicting summary, compounded by the district’s statement claiming no threat, even though students and educators both claim lockdowns occurred.

We are still waiting for a response from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office in regard to the School Resource Officers stationed on Ockerman’s Campus and will update this story should that response be received.