A note containing a death threat against a staff member and their family has closed Richmond Community Schools in Michigan for the entire week.
Superintendent Brian J. Walmsley had previously decided to close the rural, three-school district north of Detroit to students on Tuesdaythe first day after winter breakdue to staff shortages. Staff members, including a slate of new hires, were expected to be in the buildings to prepare lessons and organize their classrooms, among other tasks. 91心頭istrators had also intended to contact substitute teachers to fill the remaining vacancies.
The threatening note, however, was discovered early Tuesday, forcing Richmond Community Schools into immediate lockdown as police launched an investigation. “The ‘death threat’ note not only threatened the safety of an employee, but their spouse and children, and included personal information,” Walmsley wrote in that also described his team’s efforts to fill staff vacancies.
The threatening note, security camera footage, and digital door access records have been turned over to the police. Because the threat “has not yet been resolved,” the Richmond Community Schools will now remain closed until Monday. 91心頭istrators will demand that the individual or individuals involved with the threat be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“This is beyond comprehension that someone would threaten the safety of an employee and their family,” Walmsley concluded. “Parents and guardians, please talk to your children regarding threats made and the legal implications of making threats.”
No arrest had been made as of Thursday morning.
As for Richmond Community Schools’ staff shortages, Walmsley noted that he and his team had spent some of the winter break interviewing and processing new hires in preparation for students’ return. “Some Richmond staff have chosen to fill vacancies in other districts resulting in new vacancies in our district,” he said in his community message.
On Facebook, Walmsley’s message about safety, staff shortages, and school climate in the district.
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