Montgomery County Public Schools
200 Junkin Street
Christiansburg, VA 24073
(540) 382-5104
May 15, 2007

Dear Staff and Families,

I am writing to inform you about two situations. First, today there was a bomb threat at Blacksburg High School. As a result, the school was evacuated immediately. Senior administrators including myself were immediately at the school to oversee the evacuation and remained at the school for the remainder of day. While we normally wait until these matters are contained to notify parents, given the recent tragic events I wanted to make certain that staff and parents were informed as soon as possible. A notice was also sent out on the list serve. All students were evacuated safely, and the bomb squad inspected the school. All students were accounted for within minutes via the procedure set up through our bomb drills. After the building was safely cleared, students were allowed to re-enter the building.

The second issue I want to inform you about is regarding an issue that were all beginning to receive reports about. While the local authorities have not contacted me directly, it has been reported that the police department is allegedly investigating a situation involving a Blacksburg Middle School student. The police authorities have shared with the school that they are investigating this incident. As is always the case, it is expected that the police department will maintain the integrity of their investigation and the records related to their investigation. When it is substantiated that an individual committed a crime, appropriate details will be given to the school community as we have done in the past. While we will maintain confidentiality, please know that the police department is addressing this police matter and they have ensured that any person they feel is a threat to the school community is being detained as they complete their investigation.

As with any police investigation that allegedly involves school staff or students, the school district will give the police department as much information as possible to aid them in their investigation. In this instance, it appears that based on reports there was an alleged incident that occurred in another county causing the police department to allegedly charge an individual with a crime related to the incident in that county. When the police department investigates a matter that may involve school staff or students, we understand fully that to protect the integrity of their investigation there are some details they may be unable to share immediately. I expect that the police department will communicate with me directly at the appropriate time after they confirm the involvement of specific individuals in alleged incidents.

I appreciate the prompt action of the police department in reportedly detaining any individual they believe to be a threat to our school community, and I am confident that the police department will share the full details regarding this matter once their full investigation is complete and all matters are substantiated. Detaining any potential threat to our school community is most helpful in these matters. I will be requesting a meeting with the Blacksburg Police Department to ensure we receive as much communication as possible directly regarding this incident.

We will continue to take every precaution necessary in order to ensure the safety of students and staff although we understand there may be some inconvenience at times.

Sincerely,

TIFFANY C. ANDERSON, ED.D.
SUPERINTENDENT

Hi Laura,

Were any kids in special ed involved or blamed for this?

Cathy