A “possible threat” closed Wiscasset schools Thursday, Oct. 24, but the schools reopened the next day after authorities said they had found the person responsible.
The “potential written threat on a bathroom wall” at Wiscasset Middle High School closed that school and Wiscasset Elementary School, according to Wiscasset School Department Superintendent Terry Wood.
“School officials and local law enforcement continue to investigate the credibility of this possible threat,” Wood said in a statement shortly after 8 a.m. Thursday. “As a precautionary measure to assure all student and staff safety, a decision has been made to close the schools.”
“The safety and welfare of all students and staff is our primary responsibility,” she added.
Shortly after noon Thursday, Wood announced the identification of the person responsible and said schools would reopen Friday.
Police and school officials “are taking appropriate actions” under school policy and state law “to ensure safety for all,” Wood said in a second statement.
Wood elaborated on the district’s response in a letter to parents Sunday, Oct. 27.
After learning of the potential threat, she worked with the chair and vice chair of the Wiscasset School Committee and the principal and assistant principal of WMHS to assist police with the investigation.
“After several hours of video watching, a determination was made to interview potential suspects,” Wood said in the letter. “During the interview at a student’s home, a confession was made from the student.”
Department staff “took steps to provide extra supports for students who may have needed them,” she said in the letter. “This is a very caring and empathetic school district that focuses on our students.”
