Following an investigation where St. Francis Area Schools was in full cooperation with the St. Francis Police Department, the rumors about a threat towards St. Francis Middle School were found to be false. Additionally, the magazine was found to be unintentionally left by an adult while attending an after hours event. We thank SFPD for their work on this investigation.The complete statement from SFPD can be found below.
Statement from SFPD at 5:44 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 6
After further investigation the St. Francis Police Department would like to provide an update on the threat investigation involving the St. Francis Middle School. Regarding the magazine found on school property, the investigation has revealed that the allegation the magazine was placed by a student was fabricated by other students. Police have located the owner of the magazine and confirmed it was unintentionally left while attending a sports event the previous evening.
The investigation also revealed that the threat circulating online and shared through Snapchat alleging that a student threatened to shoot up the school was also fabricated by other students. The allegations then circulated through social media including Snapchat when it was reported to the police.
There is no further information available at this time, and nothing indicates any existing threat towards students, staff, or the public.
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We are grateful to those who reported suspicious behavior. Your partnership plays a vital role in keeping our schools safe. Administrators were focused on the active investigation and understand there are emails and phone calls that didn’t get a response. We ask for your grace, while our priority was on the safety of the students and completing the investigation as completely and accurately as possible.
Please know, we intentionally waited for SFPD to complete their investigation to provide an update today as we supported their efforts.
We understand that situations like these can cause concern. Our top priority remains the safety and well-being of our students and staff.
Thank you for your continued partnership.
Karsten Anderson
Superintendent
St. Francis Area Schools