RSU 21 Superintendent Terri Cooper responded Monday to a Kennebunk High School safety concern that took place Monday morning.

According to Sergeant Juliet Angis of the Kennebunk Police Department, the threat was allegedly made by a student during a homecoming event over the weekend.

Superintendent Cooper did not disclose the nature of the threat, but it is believed to have been firearm related.

On Monday, Cooper thanked teachers and law enforcement for their dedication to keeping students safe.

“I know that was a scary feeling for students, but as well as parents and the community,” Cooper said. “Every time you hear something of that nature, it gives you heart palpitations. Our teachers and law enforcement were phenomenal in making sure everyone was safe.”

The police department was notified of the threat by Cooper on Monday morning, and upon further investigation, the student was found to be at home. The home was searched, and no guns or access to guns were found in the home.

Classes continued throughout the day, and additional officers were placed at the school for added safety.

In a statement to the community, Cooper said the district has “robust” safety protocols in place, which were effectively implemented in Monday’s event.

“Our primary goal is to maintain a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff,” Cooper said.

Parents and teachers spoke about the safety concern at Monday night’s school board meeting, with many thanking Kennebunk High School staff for their commitment to keeping students safe.

Resident and parent Erin Lehane said it is teachers who keep students safe.

“I was moved to hear a teacher at a recent meeting talk about how they were being trained to deal with gunfire, especially with the scary situation at the high school today,” Lehane said.

Lehane was referring to a school board meeting on Sept. 17 in which Ashley Baker Cook, a teacher at Kennebunk Elementary School, disclosed that teachers had recently gone through a training on how to pack bullet wounds and apply a tourniquet in the event of a school shooting.

“We are coming to school without a contract to literally take bullets for these children if we had to,” Cook said. “It really puts into perspective how we should be valuing our students and our teachers.”

“Students had the opportunity to go home,” resident Beth Fossett said Monday. “Teachers did not.”

In the event of a future safety concern, students and teachers are encouraged to report any concerning comments or behaviors to school officials and police.