A 16-year old Chattooga High School student has been charged with Disruption of Public Schools in relation to a threatening message left on a restroom wall Tuesday. Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader said the investigation is ongoing and the student may face additional charges.
On Wednesday another note was found on a restroom wall indicating a threat for Thursday. The Chattooga County Board of Education will hold a meeting Friday, February 23 at 10 a.m. to discuss school safety and procedures.
“We have no reason to believe that anyone else was involved in the message yesterday and still believe that it was an attempt to have school dismiss early. I have spoken to Superintendent Lenderman and Principal Jeff Martin and they have been updated as to the charges. They indicate that they have procedures in place to address these type issues on the school level and will be following those procedures. Both the Superintendent and Principal have pledged their full support and continue to work closely with my office on this matter,” said Sheriff Schrader.
Sheriff Schrader went on to comment on the 2nd threat, “I have received many inquiries from parents today regarding information that there was a threatening note found today which referred to tomorrow. I have had investigators and deputies at the school working with school administrators on this information. We have confirmed that while a note was not found regarding a threat, there was another writing found on a restroom wall indicating a threat for tomorrow. I have spoken with Mr. Lenderman and Mr. Martin and they are well aware of parental concern regarding this writing. They have indicated that school will be in session tomorrow however, they fully understand if parents choose not to send their children.”
Superintendent Jimmy Lenderman announced that all schools in the Chattooga County School System will be open on Thursday February 22 for normal operating hours.
