Threat made to Switzerland Co. Schools deemed not credible

UPDATE (1PM FRIDAY)

Law enforcement agencies have deemed the threat made to Switzerland County Schools as not credible. 

The school is one of many across Indiana that received non-specific email threats on Friday.

The email has prompted Switzerland County Schools to take additional safety measures throughout the remainder of the day.

“After-school activities will continue as scheduled, and all safety measures will remain in place throughout all activities,” said Superintendent Rod Hite. 

He added, “We understand how unsettling news like this can be for families. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. I am sincerely grateful to the law enforcement agencies that responded so quickly and professionally.”

ORIGINAL REPORT (11:30 A.M. FRIDAY)

(VEVAY, Ind.) – An anonymous threat was made to hundreds of schools across the country on Friday. 

Switzerland County among the schools that received the non-specific email threat and immediately initiated safety procedures.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we immediately implemented secure building protocols, bringing all students and staff indoors and restricting campus access,” Superintendent Rod Hite said. 

Switzerland County is maintaining enhanced security measures for the remainder of the school day.

State authorities are investigating the matter as police did say that the emails appear to originate from out-of-state and there were upwards of 100 schools that received the threat. 

In a letter to parents, Hite added that their highest priority is the safety and well-being of students and staff. 

“We are deeply grateful to our law enforcement agencies for their rapid and professional response, as well as to our community for your continued trust and support,” he said.

Another school that received a similar threat was Winamac Community School Corporation in northern Indiana. 

"At this time we don’t believe the threats to be credible. There should be no reason for panic, or a change in daily activities at this time," the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office stated.