NEWS UPDATE
District: Monday closing was a ‘precaution’
The Line Mountain School District was closed Feb. 11 but had been scheduled to re-open Feb. 12 before weather forced cancellation of classes.
District Superintendent David M. Campbell released the following statement regarding the decision to keep both buildings closed in the wake an incident that occurred the afternoon of Feb. 8.
“The Line Mountain School District will re-open on Tuesday, February 12, 2019, weather permitting.
‘‘After today’s (Monday, February 11, 2019) ongoing discussions and updates between School Administration and the Pennsylvania State Police – the State Police investigation is now wrapping up and it is with 100 percent certainty that the call first received by the State Police and subsequently received at the High School just after 2 p.m. Friday, February 8, 2019 was a computer generated call.
‘‘It is important that everyone understands Sunday night’s decision to close today, (Monday, February 11, 2019) was a decision which followed a protocol of utmost precaution.
‘‘The investigation was at a point last night where both parties were reasonably sure the swatting incident was a computer generated “robo call’’ hoax.
‘‘However, both parties felt with where the investigation was at the time; there was no guarantee an additional swatting call would not occur on Monday, February 11, 2019.
‘‘Discussion focused on the fact that – whether or not we were reasonably sure an additional call was a hoax or not; similar protocol to Friday afternoon would have to be followed.
‘‘Therefore, it was determined that in the best interest and safety of our students, staff, and the courageous first responders and law enforcement officers to not open today whereas, avoiding any attempt by the guilty to once again create a crisis situation.
‘‘The District would like to thank the community for the outpouring of support and prayers throughout this unfortunate situation.’’