|
BREAKING: Threatening message found at WBHS
News · February 27, 2018
A threatening message found today at West Branch High School prompted school leaders to cancel classes Wednesday.
While West Branch Community Schools and West Branch Police Department state that they will treat the threat seriously, the police chief believes it may be a hoax.
In a message to parents sent about 8 p.m. Tuesday, Superintendent Kevin Hatfield stated that the school district "is investigating a threatening message uncovered in a school building near the end of the day today."
"The message was directed toward students and staff," read the message, sent by e-mail and recorded phone calls. "The threat has not been substantiated, but the safety and security of our students and staff is paramount."
Police Chief Mike Horihan said the message was found by a student before school let out for the day.
"I don't believe it is credible," the chief said. "But we are taking it seriously and handling the situation like it is."
Working with the school, the police department "has had some discussions with some students" about the message, he said.
The police chief said the recent school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., which led to 17 deaths and 14 injuries, likely increases the anxiety in this situation.
"That is definitely the case," Horihan said. "People are on edge."
The police chief said that may be what motivated the message.
"I think it is a hoax to spike interest or for intimidation of other people," he said, reiterating that the department and school district will handle the situation as serious.
As of Tuesday night, the police department still had more students to interview about the message, he said.
"I support the school's decision to not have school tomorrow," Horihan said. "I think that is a wise choice. … Everything we're doing is with the safety of young kids in mind."
Attempts to reach the superintendent were unsuccessful Tuesday night.
WBHS Principal Shannon Bucknell declined to comment, directing questions to Hatfield.
Earlier Tuesday, the superintendent sent out a message to parents regarding how the school would handle the possibility of students organizing a protest or walk-out regarding school shootings.
"The tragedy in Broward County last week and other losses of life on school campuses across the nation over several years have driven increased interest in student-led civic engagement efforts and actions, including the idea of school walk-outs," Hatfield wrote. "The West Branch Community School District supports students' Constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and free expression. Our goal in responding to walk-out plans and other forms of peaceful assembly is to try and keep focus on teaching and learning while providing guidance and planning to support student and staff safety. We appreciate the communications student leaders have with our staff and administration should assistance be needed."
The message notes three upcoming dates — March 14, March 24 and April 20 — mentioned in social media posts from people trying to organize marches.
"Parents, should a 'walkout' occur, the West Branch Community School District's staff and the West Branch Police Department will be there to monitor and support, not to quell their expression. Please remind students that (the school district) supports their rights to peaceful assembly and free expression, but that the school is about teaching and learning as a priority, and that the (school district's) Code of Conduct remains in place and can be enforced should inappropriate actions be taken by students."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
