Public schools in Montclair, New Jersey, will be closed on Monday after district leaders learned of a “potential threat” that poses safety concerns, according to an early morning email sent to parents and guardians. It became. Hours later, the school district announced that the potential threat had been “neutralized.”
Interim Superintendent Damen Cooper said in an email that the district was made aware of the potential threat late Sunday night and was working with local law enforcement to monitor the situation, although he could not provide further details. Ta.
“We understand the inconvenience this last-minute closure may cause, but the safety of our students, staff, and entire school community is our top priority,” the email said. The district has promised to provide updated information to the community as it becomes available.
Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville said in a statement that the school closures were a “precautionary measure” and there was “no immediate threat.”
“The school is closed while we investigate the safety concerns,” she said. “We also wanted to be clear that this safety concern is specific to Montclair schools and does not impact the surrounding community or institutions.”
Hours later, Cooper advised the community that the potential threat had been “neutralized” thanks to cooperation with the Montclair Police Department. Police could not be reached for comment.
“We understand that this situation may have caused anxiety and confusion throughout our school community,” Cooper said. “Please know that every step we take is guided by our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families.”
Some private schools in the area remained open Monday. Adriana Lavarco, director of admissions at one of them, Fusion Academy, said police encouraged the schools to remain open because the threats were against “specific individuals.”
Montclair, a town in Essex County, New Jersey, is approximately 32 miles by car from New York City. Although threats against schools have become relatively common in recent years, closures are even rarer.
