Lazar Student's Remarks Prompt Police Investigation [UPDATED]

Montville Township Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Fried assured parents Thursday that students of Lazar Middle School will be safe on Friday, despite some students' concerns over alleged remarks made by one of their classmates.

Fried sent a Honeywell alert message out to parents advising them that he had become aware of the alleged comments and had immediately expressed his concern to police.

"I am aware that the police department conducted a thorough investigation and took all appropriate steps to make sure that our children at Lazar were safe today and will be safe tomorrow in school as well," Fried said in the alert.

Fried said Friday morning that he is unable to comment on the nature of the comments made.

"I am not able to comment on any remarks allegedly made by our students, nor about any disciplinary action taken," he said. "I will state I completely trust that all of our schools are safe, and that we are scrutinizing every behavioral incident very carefully."

Fried said in the message the student was not present in school on Thursday and would not be in school on Friday.

The Honeywell alert came days after the school district actively began conversations and meetings about strengthening school security and safety procedures following the On Monday, Fried said that he and other administrators had personally visited the schools to ensure that staff members and students felt that they had support.

"Montville Township is a community, and the schools represent all of the children.  We will always keep the safety and security of every child in mind as we make our decisions," Fried said.