Yesterday, October 8th (2025), Columbus Public Schools was notified by local law enforcement of police activity in the area of the Kramer Education Center and Emerson Elementary School. The District placed both buildings into a SECURE from approximately 11:15 am to 11:35 am. Families of both Emerson Elementary and Kramer Child Development Center were notified using the organizations' mass communication systems. Kramer Preschool did not have students in attendance on this day.
In a press release sent out by the Columbus Police Department, it referenced local schools being placed in lockdown. By definition a lockdown is used when the threat is active on school property or inside the building that is an immediate risk to students and staff. This was not the case and a lockdown was not issued by the school district.
Columbus Public Schools uses the Standard Response Protocols established by “I Love You Guys” and endorsed by the Nebraska Department of Education. A secure protocol is used when there is a need to get (or keep) students/staff inside and lock the outside doors of the school. Secure action is called when there is a threat or hazard outside of the school building. Normal school activities continue inside the building.
The District greatly appreciated the quick communication by the City of Columbus Police Department throughout the incident.
Link to Protocols: https://iloveuguys.org/The-Standard-Response-Protocol.html