Despite LAUSD Closures, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified Schools Still Open

All of the schools in Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School Districts will remain open Tuesday despite the bomb threat that shut down schools at nearby LAUSD, the district’s superintendent said.

In a message sent to parents and staff, Superintendent Sandra Lyon said SMMUSD has not had any threats of any kind and will remain open.

“We are in communication with law enforcement and our administrators and all will be on high alert throughout the day,” she said in an email. “We know how concerning this is and can assure you that we will take all necessary precautionary measures to ensure our students and staff are safe.”

According to media reports, schools in New York City received a similar bomb threat but deemed the threat not credible and are remaining open. Former Los Angeles police Chief William Bratton, who is now the police commissioner in New York, said the LAUSD may have overreacted by canceling classes.

The closures came on a day when finals were scheduled at high schools, leading some students to speculate that a student fearing exams was involved, according to broadcast reports.

(Patch file photo)