A student from the Plato R-V School District faces possible criminal charges after allegedly threatening an act of violence against the school.
The district reported on Saturday afternoon that “a rumor of a potential violent incident threatened towards the school” had been reported to school officials. After working alongside law enforcement, Plato said Sunday the source of the threats was identified.
Dr. Kim Hawk, superintendent, said a student overheard a rumor of the potential threat just three days after a former student killed 17 people at a Florida high school. The threat was made by “secondary school students,” Hawk said.
She did not specify how many students were involved or their ages.
“We have worked closely with law enforcement throughout the weekend to resolve this matter,” the district wrote on its Facebook page. “Law enforcement has stated that charges will be filed. Additionally, we have implemented our district discipline policy. We have taken every step possible to ensure student safety.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol was on campus Monday to provide extra security. A staff meeting was held at 7:15 a.m. to communicate the situation with employees.
Hawk said attendance was down 30 percent in the elementary school and 20 percent in the middle and high school Monday.
A fire alarm went off on campus around 1 p.m. Monday. The district went into a soft lockdown and elementary students were released to parents. The district later said on social media there appeared to be no threats related to the situation. The alarm company will analyze the system in the coming days to determine the cause of the alarm sounding, school officials said.