By Kevin Coughlin
An enhanced police presence will continue all week at Morris District schools, the superintendent said on Monday, as authorities continue to investigate a backpack containing ammunition found near the Frelinghuysen Middle School over the weekend.
Superintendent Mackey Pendergrast reiterated that the district has received no threats, and he added that authorities have told him they “see no connection with any of our students or schools” and the backpack.
But he acknowledged “understandable anxiety” among parents, given recent events across the country and the proximity to the Sept. 11 anniversary.
A backpack containing 9 mm and .45 caliber bullets was discovered Saturday afternoon in a sparsely wooded area of Veterans Field, a municipal softball field in Morris Township near Frelinghuysen Middle School, according to Township Mayo Dan Caffrey.
Township police secured the middle school before it opened on Monday.
“It went very well, a smooth opening. The police did a fantastic job. They’re visible, and taking all necessary steps to make sure all our students are safe,” Pendergrast said.
The middle school and Morristown High School always have a police officer on duty. Township and Morristown police are adding patrols at all 10 schools within the district, municipal and school officials said.
“We will continue to be vigilant in our security and safety protocols, and continue to have a police presence at all buildings. This week, there will be a police presence at all our schools,” said Pendergrast.
