SEDGWICK, Kan. — Two unauthorized individuals gained access to a Sedgwick school building in the 400 West 4th Street in Sedgwick on Tuesday afternoon prompting a swift response from staff and law enforcement, according to USD 439 Superintendent Dr. Rae Niles.
In a message sent to parents and guardians, Niles said the incident occurred shortly after 1 p.m. when two men entered a school building through a side door. A high school senior working as a student aide initially turned the pair away at the grade school entrance, instructing them to go to the high school’s main entrance. The men then spent nearly an hour wandering school grounds before being let in by a student through a side door.
Once inside, the men ended up in the school courtyard, where Mavis, the district’s therapy dog, alerted staff to their presence. Librarian Leah Gaede spotted the intruders and contacted elementary principal Julie Scott, who escorted them to the high school office before they were removed from the building.
“There could have been a far worse outcome, but it was a frightening situation nonetheless,” Niles wrote.
Authorities later identified the two men, who were located at their home in Park City. Niles said they are not connected to the Sedgwick community and have never attended school there. The district worked with local police to issue trespass orders against both individuals. Photos of the men have been distributed to staff and posted in school offices.
Emergency staff meetings were held Wednesday morning to reinforce security protocols and remind employees of the importance of reporting unauthorized individuals. Students were also briefed on safety practices, including the district’s “See Something, Say Something” policy.
Niles emphasized that the district will be reviewing and strengthening safety procedures in the coming weeks and thanked families for their continued support.
“We know we can always do better,” she said. “Keeping your child safe is our top priority.”