The security company that provided about 300 guards to D.C. schools went bankrupt Thursday night, disrupting the beginning of classes across the city.
Schools spokeswoman Jennifer Calloway confirmed widespread reports that guards employed by company Hawk One Security did not appear for work Friday morning. “They folded last night,” she said.
The company’s troubles were not a surprise, Calloway said, and the school system is implementing a new security plan that she declined to detail in an interview Friday morning. She promised more information later in the day.
The disappearance of paid security guards caused widespread reports of trouble. D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. said that students were turned away at McKinley Technology High School in Northeast Washington because guards were not available to staff the entrances.
By 9:30 a.m., the scene at the school was quiet, with a Metro police officer posted at the front.
Security in the D.C. public schools was criticized by officials last year. At the time, D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee said that she didn’t have plans to replace Hawk One but would increase the training the officers were given.
The company recently lost a contract to secure city government buildings, which has contributed to its financial problems.
Source: Washington Post