Superintendent Richard Baird and the North Union Local Schools District administration responded to a report of a threat on social media in a letter to the North Union community on Sunday.
According to the letter, the North Union High School administration “received notification very late Friday evening that a student had communicated on social media a reference to bringing a weapon” to the high school on Monday.
In an interview on Monday, Baird said school leaders learned about the social media post through a text message.
Local law enforcement helped the district identify the student. Following an investigation, law enforcement officials “determined there is little or no threat to the staff or students of North Union,” the letter stated.
To protect the student’s privacy, Baird would not disclose whether the student has previously exhibited any violent behavior or made similar threats online.
“We take this type of threatening communication very seriously and will follow the code of conduct to determine the course of action to further protect all of our students,” the letter stated. “The safety of our students is a priority, and is nothing to joke about. The student is not permitted on school property, and due process will be followed. This is a reminder that any threatening message sent to you or seen by you should be reported immediately to law enforcement or the building principal, and not forwarded to friends or the public.”
The North Union Local Schools District reiterated its committed to school safety. The district has one designated school resource officer and works with the Richwood Police Department to have officers monitor the buildings.
“We encourage students, staff, and community members to ‘see something, say something,’” the letter stated.
Parents and guardians with any questions or concerns are advised to contact their students’ respective building principal.