A threat of violence against Philomath Academy that had been picked up by the audio-video system on a school bus Thursday morning led to an investigation in the school district, Philomath Chief of Police Dave Gurski confirmed Friday.
Police were dispatched at 7:34 a.m. to the school district office, which shares a building with Philomath Academy, to investigate the threat. A conversation involving three boys was captured by the video and audio system on the school bus, Gurski said.
“The school was reviewing video from a separate incident and then came across this,” Gurski said. “There was one student … making statements about a school shooting at the Philomath Academy.”
The age of the student who allegedly spoke of the threat was not released but is a juvenile in the school district.
“It looks like the school has taken action on their end with regards to discipline and we’ve interviewed the kids on it and have also been in contact with the parents,” Gurski said.
Susan Halliday, superintendent of schools, briefly mentioned the incident at Thursday night’s School Board meeting and emailed a letter to parents to share information.
“Based on review of all data, no imminent threat to the Philomath Academy or other schools was determined,” Halliday wrote, adding that the alternative school would remain open on a normal schedule Friday. “In addition, the individual reported to have made this threat has been identified and appropriate action is being taken.”
Gurski said the investigation was continuing Friday and also confirmed that there is no threat.
Also Thursday, the Sweet Home Police Department took a juvenile into custody after making a threat toward the high school in that community. The youth was charged with first-degree disorderly conduct and unlawful possession of a firearm, the police department said through a social media post.
In addition, Halliday said at the School Board meeting that a shooting threat involving South Albany High School had also been investigated.
“The safety of our students, staff, schools and community is paramount,” Halliday said through the email to parents. “With the heightened awareness of gun violence in our country and regional area of Oregon, we want to be open with our school community.”
Halliday added that the school district is bound by relevant confidentiality and privacy requirements.
“In all such situations, we know that some may experience an increased level of anxiety,” Halliday said. “We encourage students to seek out a school counselor or other trusted adult as might be needed.”