Schools in Lame Deer, Montana, were closed for the second time in a single week on Thursday following what district administrators described as violent threats. The decision came after a specific, written threat was discovered at the high school, prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Key Takeaways
- Lame Deer schools were canceled on Monday and Thursday of the same week due to separate threats.
- A note found in a high school bathroom on Wednesday specified a time for a potential shooting, leading to an early dismissal and Thursday's closure.
- School administrators are working closely with law enforcement to investigate the origin of the threats.
- Officials have stated that the school threats are not connected to recent changes in the Northern Cheyenne tribal leadership.
A Week of Disruption and Concern
The series of events began over the weekend, leading to the first school cancellation on Monday. District administrators discovered threats circulating on social media, prompting them to keep schools closed as a precautionary measure.
Classes resumed, but the situation escalated on Wednesday. According to officials, a note was found in a high school bathroom that contained a direct and frightening threat.
Middle and High School Principal Matthew Jolley explained the gravity of the message. "The note that was found yesterday was concerning because a very specific timing was set where there was going to be a shooting at our school," Jolley said. This discovery led to an immediate early dismissal of students on Wednesday afternoon.
Timeline of Events
- Over the Weekend: Threats are discovered on social media.
- Monday: All Lame Deer schools are closed for the day.
- Wednesday: A threatening note is found in a high school bathroom, causing an early dismissal.
- Thursday: Schools are closed for a second day as administrators and law enforcement investigate.
Prioritizing Student and Staff Safety
Following Wednesday's incident, Superintendent Victoria Falls Down announced that schools would remain closed on Thursday to allow for a thorough safety assessment and investigation. She emphasized that the district's primary responsibility is the well-being of its students and employees.
"Safety is paramount," Falls Down stated on Thursday. "When your students are threatened, your staff are threatened, you have to act right away."
On Thursday, Superintendent Falls Down met with Principal Jolley and Elementary Principal Albera Cook to develop a comprehensive safety plan moving forward. The administrative team is coordinating its efforts with law enforcement agencies to identify the source of the threats.
"Our information is very limited at this time," said Elementary Principal Albera Cook. She noted that the administration relies heavily on updates from law enforcement. "Whatever information we're getting, you know, we're getting from law enforcement."
Administrative Response
The school district's leadership team, including the superintendent and principals from all school levels, convened to create a unified safety strategy. Their focus is on implementing all necessary safety procedures to secure the schools before reopening.
Community Tensions and Tribal Governance
The school threats occurred during a period of significant change within the Northern Cheyenne tribal government, leading some community members to speculate about a possible connection. In recent weeks, the community has experienced public outcry regarding shifts in tribal leadership.
Northern Cheyenne Tribal President Gene Small explained the recent events. He said that the "traditional chiefs council stepped in and they enacted traditional law," which resulted in the removal of eight of the ten tribal council members. Those positions were filled with replacements on Thursday.
"This change is new to everybody," Small commented. "I think this change is going to be good for everyone. We're just trying to keep the doors open to our people. We've got to tend to our people."
Officials Deny Connection Between Events
Despite the timing, both school and tribal leaders have been clear that they do not believe the school threats are related to the political situation. Superintendent Falls Down stressed the need to address the school safety issue independently.
"I just feel like this is an issue we'd like to keep it separate," she said. "As an administration, we have a responsibility to keep our school safe."
President Small echoed this sentiment, focusing instead on a message of unity for the community. He urged residents to come together during this challenging time.
"We need to humble ourselves, all of us," Small said. "We need to be aware of each other and love each other. We're all Cheyenne people."
As the investigation into the threats continues, school officials will determine when it is safe for students and staff to return to the classroom. The community remains on alert while law enforcement works to ensure the safety of its schools.