Culbertson School, RCSO Respond To Social Media Threat
The Culbertson School was made aware of a threatening social media post Wednesday, April 24. School administrators issued the following statement April 29: “In the evening hours the school administration was made aware of a threat made on social media indicating potential harm toward others in school. School administration immediately began working with the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s [Office]. Within hours on Wednesday evening the Roosevelt Sheriff’s [Office] determined that the social media account was a fake and made by another individual. This determination along with other factors led deputies and administration to deem it safe to hold school on Thursday, April 25. Two deputies were present at the school on Thursday, April 25, from 7 a.m. until after 9 p.m.
“Security and safety of our staff and students is always our top priority. If there was a doubt about the safety of our staff and students, school would not have been in session Thursday, April 25, 2024. A thorough investigation continued throughout Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26.
“On the morning of Monday, April 29, there was a confession from the individual that created the fake account to post the threat. Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, we cannot discuss the consequences for the students involved in this situation with the public.
“This is very similar to the justice system not being able to release the names of juveniles. Culbertson School will continue to do our best to provide transparency to parents while still following the law regarding FERPA. Please remember we are required to follow policy and see the entire process through before reaching conclusions. We appreciate the assistance of the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s [Office] working side by side with us through this issue to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”
Culbertson School District Superintendent Nicole Simonson told the Community News her own children attend the school and said she views staff and the student body as family. “I would never bring people to school if I thought there was a dangerous situation.”
For more information, contact the school or call the non-emergency dispatch line for the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office at 406-6536230.
