CHAMPAIGN – Champaign schools are preparing for any reaction to a report on the Oct. 9 shooting death of 15-year-old Kiwane Carrington.

Assistant Superintendent Michael McFarland asked school principals to review the district's "soft lockdown" procedures.

"Our position is always to be proactive and to make sure our staff and students are 100 percent safe," said Assistant Superintendent Beth Shepperd.

Talk of a soft lockdown has raised concerns with parents, Shepperd said. But, she said, the district has not made any decision about whether it will be put in place when the report on Mr. Carrington's death is released. And it's possible no action will be needed.

Shepperd said the district will decide on whether to go to a soft lockdown based on what is happening in the community in response to the report, when it is released.

A soft lockdown means all outside doors of school buildings will be locked, and visitors will be questioned at the door via an intercom before being allowed into a building. All outdoor activities, including recess and open lunch at the high schools, will be canceled.

Shepperd said the issue primarily affects the high schools.

"If there is a huge community reaction, we don't want kids pouring out of the schools and getting mixed up in something," she said, adding that such a situation is only hypothetical.

"All we're trying to say is, 'Teachers, be prepared in case there is a need,'" Shepperd said.

Mr. Carrington was shot on Oct. 9 when Champaign police responded to a report of a burglary in progress at 906 W. Vine St., C.

Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz received a report last week from the Illinois State Police, who led the investigation into the shooting. Rietz said she would not release any information about the report until a review of it was complete. She would not estimate when that might happen.

The shooting has prompted criticism of the Champaign Police Department, including angry community members calling for the resignation of police Chief R.T. Finney, and a march and rally by young people.