White County Middle School was the scene of heightened security and early dismissal this Tuesday after a student's potential threat led to a swift response from local law enforcement. According to WKRN, school officials made the decision following the White County Sheriff’s Office’s investigation into a middle school student who allegedly made threats and was found with a device initially believed to be an explosive.
The evacuation was a precautionary measure while the school was searched by authorities who detained the student and inspected the device at the student's home, determining it was not an explosive. Despite the findings, busses departed early at 10:15 a.m., as reported by WSMV. Parents were instructed to follow normal pick-up routes, with pick-up at the back of the building and the note that belongings would remain in the building until the following morning.
Ensuring the safety of the students while law enforcement conducted their investigation was paramount. "Our district has implemented comprehensive safety protocols and procedures," Kurt Dronebarger, White County Schools’ director, assured in a statement obtained by WKRN. He further thanked local law enforcement for their "swift actions and thorough response to this incident."
The White County Sheriff’s Office had initially requested that the school be placed on lockdown, as described in the original post by White County Schools. In continued safety measures, the school maintained a soft lockdown, prohibiting visitors, while the nearby White County High School also stayed on a soft lockdown, all according to 3B Media News. Following the incident, Dronebarger expressed a hope for better days and implored parents to speak with their children about appropriate school behavior.
In the wake of the threat, the school communicated that all students were safe and accounted for. Sheriff Steve Page expressed his gratitude for the assistance offered by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and Tennessee Highway Patrol in securing the premises. The investigation concluded with the school being cleared, allowing those who remained on campus to reenter the building, as detailed in statements shared by the district.
