LYNN — Superintendent of Schools Dr. Evonne Alvarez addressed staff and families in a letter after middle school students were directed not to bring backpacks to school Monday due to shooter threats, which was deemed not credible by the Lynn Police Department.
School administration became aware of the threats, which were circulated on social media, on Sunday, after which the administration immediately brought them to the attention of the police department.
Lt. Richard Connick, a spokesperson for the Lynn Police Department said in a statement published in a Sept. 17 Item article that the threats were non-specific social media posts warning of potential school shootings nationwide which were “amplified on social media locally.”
Dr. Alvarez said she wanted to emphasize that all threats are taken seriously and teachers and students have the right to feel safe in their schools. She added dealing with potential threats is a diversion of focus from the successful delivery of educational instruction, which is not fair.
“It’s not possible to carry on the normal functions of a school operation with looming threats,” she said.
She noted that middle school attendance was approximately 72 percent on Monday.
“We can’t be in schools if we don’t feel safe,” she said. “It’s been a national epidemic. It’s happening in other districts in the Commonwealth and across the country … It needs to stop.”
Dr. Alvarez also encouraged students to tell a trusted adult if they become aware of a potentially threatening situation, adding “We would never ask a student to be the person to intervene, that’s why the LPS staff is here to support them.”
She added the district adopted a policy on safety procedures last year that includes protective sweeps, which is a random search conducted by administrators done with a metal detecting wand.
She said the schools are also locked throughout the day, and there are security cameras, as well as dedicated personnel to ensure the physical safety of the students.
“We work and communicate with the Lynn public schools on a daily basis to coordinate and communicate and do everything possible to keep the students, the staff and the faculty of the schools safe,” Police Chief Chris Reddy said.
Reddy said concerns the community have are not taken lightly.
“We try to make as careful an assessment as possible, and oftentimes even when we deem something to be non credible, we increase our police presence to alleviate fears,” he said.
“We want to reassure our community that the safety of all our students and staff remains our top priority,” Mayor Jared Nicholson said.
He added threats posted on social media “are incredibly harmful and not taken lightly.”
“I appreciate the teams at Lynn Public Schools and Lynn Police Department for their swift response to ensure everyone’s safety. The Superintendent’s call for families to monitor electronic activity and have open discussions about positive online practices is something I fully support,” Nicholson said.
