Schools Reopening Monday in Dannemora, New York, Site of Prison Break
"Safety of students and staff is our first priority," the superintendent said.
— -- Schools will be back in session Monday in Dannemora, New York, home to the Clinton Correctional Facility, as increased patrols continue in the area for the two convicted murderers who escaped from the facility's maximum security lockup on June 6.
The Saranac Central School District's elementary schools, middle school and high school were closed on Thursday and Friday.
As the schools reopen, District Superintendent Jonathan Parks said today there will be "an enhanced law enforcement presence" on the campuses between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. and "an increase in moving patrols" during bus pickups and drop-offs.
Children are encouraged to wait inside until their buses arrive, especially in active search areas, Parks said in a statement.
All outdoor activities have also been suspended, Parks said.
"The safety of students and staff is our first priority," Parks' statement added. "Please be assured that we will do all that we can to help everyone feel safe while they are at school."
The prisoners, Richard Matt and David Sweat, have been on the loose so long they could be in Mexico by now, but police are following every lead they get, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today.
"The truth is that is the nature of the business," Cuomo said. "You follow up every tip, you follow up every lead. You are as conscientious as you can be on every lead because you never know which one is going to be the one."
"We don't know if they're still in the area or if they are in Mexico by now, right? Enough time has transpired," he said. "But we're following up every lead the best we can."
New York State is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to Matt and Sweat's apprehension and arrest.