At 9:21 am, Portland Regional Communication Center received a 911 text saying that there was an active shooter situation at Casco Bay High School. Within 2 minutes police responded and were in the building that PATHS also occupies. Following safety protocol and police directions, students and staff were moved out of the building. Police escorted the students on their evacuation route towards Lyman Moore Middle School. 

Fifteen Portland police officers arrived to secure the perimeter and began their search of the school. At 11:00 am, the Portland Police Department declared the building clear for occupancy. Shortly thereafter, the district's school buses picked up the CBHS/PATHS students to go back to their respective schools. 

School staff with behavioral health experience will be at the schools for students and staff who may need their help in processing the event.  

Portland Police investigators are urging anyone who has any information that might assist in this or any other case to call them at (207) 874-8575. 

Portland Public Schools appreciate the Portland Police Department for its quick and thorough response. We are grateful to staff and students for being judicious in following our safety protocols and for our families in following our guidance.

A series of communications about this incident are posted on our website at portlandschools.org.

The Portland Public Schools is Maine’s largest school district, with approximately 6,500 students, and is also the most diverse. About one-third of the district’s students come from homes where languages other than English are spoken—a total of more than 50 languages. 49.8 percent of the district’s students are white and 50.2 percent are students of color. Approximately half of PPS students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.