Police say two teens were arrested for uttering threats after three secondary schools in the Comox Valley School District were closed on Thursday.
On Thursday morning, Mark R. Isfeld, G.P. Vanier and Highland were shut down after RCMP deemed there was evidence one secondary school is not safe. Approximately 3,000 staff and students were told to stay home.
The district was made aware of the situation by police early Thursday morning.
In consultation with the RCMP, G. P. Vanier, Mark Isfeld and Highland secondary schools are closed today as a precautionary measure. Further details to come. https://t.co/ufm43mIyp5
— School District #71 (@ComoxValleySD71) January 25, 2018
At 9:30 a.m., the school district announced elementary schools were on hold and secure as a precautionary measure, but remain open. The hold and secure was lifted later in the day.
Parents and families are able to access the schools and the school district said the schools were still in normal operations internally.
#SD71 elementary schools on Hold&Secure as a precautionary measure. Students, families may access school. More information on website. Miracle Beach, Denman and Hornby Islan d schools not affected. https://t.co/miolo5h2Ar
— School District #71 (@ComoxValleySD71) January 25, 2018
On Thursday afternoon, police said two students were arrested for uttering threats. They were released into the care of their parents. Investigators will be liaising with Crown Counsel and School District 71 (SD71) to discuss a resolution to the incident.
?We have a system in place to deal with matters such as this. This incident was able to show that the system works. School District Number 71 and the Comox Valley RCMP are able to collaboratively work together, keeping the students and staff safe,” Const. Rob Gardner of the Comox Valley RCMP said in a release.
“We must take all threats seriously and these investigations take time to ensure the safety of everyone involved.?
SD71 says the safety of students, staff and their families come first. The three high schools are expected to open tomorrow. Provincial exams that were scheduled for Thursday will be administered on Friday.
Three schools in the Comox Valley were shut down Thursday.
Andy Neal
