UPDATED: Ephrata School District taking precautions after threats
Additional security precautions are in place after an online threat was made against Ephrata High School.
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EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District has decided to close all of its campuses Friday in light of online threats. An announcement sent to families indicated that additional threats have been made.
"We have made the decision to close all Ephrata Schools on Friday, Novemb er 15. Since the time of our last message, we've been made aware of additional threats involving multiple schools," the announcement said.
Canceling the school day allows law enforcement to properly investigate and determine what additional steps need to be taken to ensure student and staff safety. All events at the district were canceled including driving instruction, bus routes to Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center, a blood drive scheduled at the high school, sports practices and club meetings. Cabaret was also canceled.
Original story: The Ephrata School District issued a notice to the community Thursday afternoon after a threat was made online regarding Ephrata High School.
As a result of the threat, the district is taking added precautions at EHS and working with law enforcement to ensure students, faculty and staff are safe on the campus, said Ephrata Schools Public Information Officer Sarah Morford.
“Out of an abundance of caution, EHS will immediately take additional precautions to keep staff and students safe. All building doors will be locked, additional staff will be present at entry points to the school and an increased law enforcement presence will be on-site at EHS. Police and the Ephrata School District are continuing to work closely with the parties involved,” reads the statement issued by the district.
Morford said the administration and local law enforcement are committed to ensuring students are safe while in the district’s care.