Several school districts in Tompkins County, New York, implemented precautionary security measures on Friday, September 26, 2025, after receiving an emailed threat. Law enforcement officials quickly assessed the threat and determined it was not credible, but the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office increased patrols at area schools to ensure community safety and provide reassurance.
The incident prompted a brief lockout at one district and a coordinated response among school leaders throughout the county. The threat, which mentioned a potential school shooting at an unspecified location, was sent to the superintendents of four separate school systems.
Key Takeaways
- An email threat was sent to superintendents in the Lansing, Ithaca, Dryden, and TST BOCES school districts.
- Law enforcement agencies investigated and deemed the threat to be non-credible.
- The Tompkins County Sheriff's Office increased patrols and school checks as a precautionary measure.
- Dryden Central School District initiated a temporary lockout, which was lifted after about 90 minutes.
Threat Prompts Immediate School Response
On Friday morning, an anonymous email containing a threat was received by superintendents at the Lansing Central School District, Ithaca City School District, Dryden Central School District, and Tompkins Seneca Tioga (TST) BOCES. The message indicated the possibility of a school shooting within Tompkins County but did not name a specific school.
Joshua Bacigalupi, superintendent of the Dryden Central School District, reported that his district received the email at 11:35 a.m. The message specified a threat against Tompkins County schools within a particular timeframe.
"In an abundance of caution, the DCSD moved to a lockout," Mr. Bacigalupi stated in a message to the community.
A lockout procedure ensures that no one is allowed to enter school buildings without exception, but normal academic and administrative activities continue inside. This measure is designed to secure the perimeter of the school while assessing a potential external threat. The lockout across the Dryden district was lifted at 1:00 p.m.
Coordination Among Districts
School leaders across the county communicated with each other and with law enforcement following the incident. A statement issued by TST BOCES was a collaborative effort involving all district superintendents, according to Lansing Central School District Superintendent Chris Pettograsso.
This coordinated approach extended to districts that did not directly receive the threat. A representative from the Newfield Central School District confirmed they were in communication with TST BOCES, demonstrating a county-wide awareness and response protocol. The Ithaca City School District did not provide an official comment on the matter, and some staff members indicated they had not been formally notified of the threat.
Understanding School Safety Terms
- Lockout: A security procedure used to protect against an external threat. All exterior doors are locked, and no one may enter or exit the building. Activities inside the school continue as scheduled.
- Lockdown: A more severe procedure used when there is an internal or immediate threat. Classroom doors are locked, lights are turned off, and students and staff shelter in place silently and out of sight.
Law Enforcement Deems Threat Non-Credible
Upon receiving reports of the threat, local law enforcement agencies immediately launched an investigation. According to the TST BOCES statement, officials quickly determined the threat was not credible. Despite this assessment, authorities took visible steps to ensure the security of school campuses.
Tompkins County Sheriff Derek Osborne confirmed that his office would be taking proactive measures. "We will be stepping up patrols and school checks," Sheriff Osborne said, highlighting the department's commitment to a cautious and visible approach even when a threat is deemed low-risk.
This type of response is standard practice for law enforcement agencies. Increasing police presence serves a dual purpose: it acts as a deterrent and provides a sense of security for students, staff, and parents who may be concerned following news of a threat.
Response Protocol for School Threats
When a school threat is reported, law enforcement and school officials follow a multi-step protocol. This includes immediate threat assessment, communication between agencies, and implementation of safety procedures. Even non-credible threats are investigated thoroughly to identify the source and prevent future incidents.
Maintaining Vigilance and Community Trust
School officials emphasized their ongoing commitment to safety and their partnership with law enforcement. The collaborative statement from TST BOCES reassured the community about the strong lines of communication in place.
"District leaders consistently stay in close communication with their law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and security of all students and staff, and this will continue," the statement read. It also expressed gratitude for the rapid response from all involved.
In his message, Dryden Superintendent Bacigalupi added, "We remain vigilant in our safety protocols." This sentiment reflects a broader reality for school districts across the country, where preparedness and clear safety plans are essential components of daily operations.
The Broader Context of School Safety
Incidents involving school threats, even those that are not credible, can cause significant anxiety within a community. They serve as a reminder of the importance of established safety plans and drills that prepare students and staff for various emergency scenarios.
Schools in Tompkins County, like many others, have faced security alerts in the past. These experiences have helped refine their response mechanisms. For example, previous incidents in the area, such as a "shelter in place" order at Ithaca High School during a nearby police action, have tested and strengthened these protocols.
The successful management of Friday's events underscores the value of inter-agency cooperation and clear communication. The TST BOCES statement concluded by highlighting this success: "We are grateful for the swift and coordinated response of our local law enforcement agencies, and for the cooperation of students, staff, and families throughout today’s events."
