By Blake Moren, CTCN corresponden
The Duncan, Chickasha, and Waurika school districts worked with local authorities to investigate threatening images and statements on social media. Waurika went so far as to cancel classes on Friday.
Duncan Superintendent Dr. Channa Byerly said the district had been “aware of statements and images that circulated on social media last night.”
The district worked with the Duncan Police Department to investigate the threats.
“In full cooperation with the Duncan Police Department, we have conducted an exhaustive investigation into every possibility presented to us, “Byerly said. “At this time, we have not identified a credible threat to our schools, students, staff, or visitors.”
Byerly also said they are going to increase security and police personnel at Duncan school sites.
The Waurika district also worked with its police. The threats were deemed “non-viable” by officials.
For both districts, classes resumed normally on Monday.
Threats against two local school districts left some school doors closed and officials investigating early Friday morning.
Both Duncan Public Schools and Waurika Public Schools took to social media to address the threats.
In Duncan, Dr. Channa Byerly said the district was made “aware of statements and images that circulated on social media last night.”
“We immediately contacted the PD and began looking into the situation when notified,” Byerly said. “In full cooperation with the Duncan Police Department, we have conducted an exhaustive investigation into every possibility presented to us. At this time, we have not identified a credible threat to our schools, students, staff, or visitors.”
Byerly said the images have impacted other districts across the state in recent days as they continue to circulate.
“Nonetheless, we will continue to closely monitor the situation as it evolves, in collaboration with law enforcement,” Byerly said.
In Waurika, the potential threat against the district shuttered doors for the day Friday. School will resume Monday.
Waurika Public Schools posted to Facebook: “There has been a threat to Waurika Public Schools. There will be no school today. School will resume Monday.”
The City of Waurika confirmed the police department investigated the threats.
“Early this morning, the Waurika Police Department was alerted to a potential threat against Waurika Public Schools,” a statement reads. “Following an extensive investigation, it has been determined that the threat is non-viable. WPD remains committed to ensuring the safety of our school systems and will continue to monitor the situation closely.”
Duncan Public Schools were made aware of statements and images that circulated on social media last night. We immediately contacted the PD and began looking into the situation when notified. In full cooperation with the Duncan Police Department, we have conducted an exhaustive investigation into every possibility presented to us. At this time, we have not identified a credible threat to our schools, students, staff, or visitors.
It is important to note that many of these images have been shared in other districts across the state over the past week. Nonetheless, we will continue to closely monitor the situation as it evolves. In collaboration with law enforcement.
You may notice an increased presence of police and security personnel at our school sites. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we work with a heightened focus on safety to ensure the well-being of our students and staff.
