Dear Monticello CSD Community,
On March 2, law enforcement advised us of an unspecified threat of violence against our schools by two students—which they deemed non-credible. Although the threat was unspecified and non-credible and, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the students did not possess the “means, access, or intent,” to carry it out, we take these reports seriously. As such, we activated certain protocols in response to the allegations, and we worked through the weekend investigating the incident.
After conferring with the FBI and local law enforcement, we confirmed there are no current or credible threats against any Monticello Central School District school, student, or staff. This threat was allegedly made entirely online and was investigated by the FBI. Nevertheless, the District will address these allegations consistent with its Code of Conduct.
We are appreciative of the work of the FBI, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, and District Attorney’s office on their investigation of the reported threat.
We are also heartened to learn of the cooperation between social media and the FBI. We trust this will curtail and detect future threats, credible or otherwise. We also ask that parents, caregivers, and staff remind our students of the seriousness of such statements, and the potential consequences for these actions regardless of the “means, access, or intent.”
We remind everyone to immediately report any threats or acts of violence to law enforcement or school administration if they are suspected to happen on school grounds.
Stay well.
Sincerely,
Matthew T. Evans, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools