'No Validity' To Glenbrook North Shooting Threat: Principal

NORTHBROOK, IL — Alleged threats of a shooting at Glenbrook North High School or its upcoming variety show prompted a pair of emails to parents from Principal John Finan, Patch has learned. Finan said the administration has disciplined the student and "will continue to monitor the situation," according to the second email, sent Thursday afternoon. He said there would be an increased security presence at school events, which includes the Glenbrook North Variety Show taking place nightly until Saturday.

In an initial message Wednesday evening, Finan said "rumors were circulating" involving a possible threat to the school. After an investigation "appropriate action" was taken by Northbrook police and school administrators.

"We are looking forward to a joyful assembly, a typical Thursday and a wonderful opening of the Variety Show in a safe and secure environment," the principal said Wednesday.

A threat-like comment reportedly made during class Tuesday led to a "significant disruption" and "generated fear" at the school, Finan explained on Thursday.

"An investigation determined there was no validity to the threat," he said.

Finan said privacy laws prevented administrators from releasing any details about the nature of any discipline for the student.

No charges have yet been filed, police said.

Students who "continue to feel uncomfortable" were encouraged to talk with counselors or staff, Finan told parents Thursday. He said he welcomed parents or members of the community to bring any concerns to the administration's attention.

"If you see something, say something and if you hear something, say something," Cmdr. Mike O'Malley said. "Even if it turns out to be inconsequential or a joke or whatever the case may be, we're not taking chances at all."

Some parents, who asked not to be named for privacy reasons, expressed concern about the adequacy of the district's communication and whether the student in question, a boy said to have been expelled from other schools prior to the alleged threat, would return after this week.

The version of Finan's email provided to Patch by Glenbrook North High School spokeswoman Karen Geddeis closes slightly differently than the one sent to parents.

"Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated," had softened slightly, becoming, "Your patience and understanding is appreciated."

Email sent Wednesday evening by Glenbrook North Principal John Finan:

Dear Parents and Students:

Today, rumors were circulating among students regarding a potential safety threat at school. The situation was thoroughly investigated and appropriate action was taken by the Deans along with our School Resource Officer and the Northbrook Police Department. We are looking forward to a joyful assembly, a typical Thursday and a wonderful opening of the Variety Show in a safe and secure environment. The safety and security of students continues to be our top priority.

Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated.

Dr. John L. Finan

Finan's Email sent Thursday afternoon:

Dear GBN Students, Staff and Parents,

As a follow-up to the message you received last night, I am pleased to report that it was a good day today at GBN for students and staff. The situation at the school on Wednesday emanated from a student comment made during a class on Tuesday. Our parents and students reacted as we would hope in bringing the comment to the attention of the Deans on Wednesday, allowing the Deans to take immediate action to investigate the comment and actively share information with the Northbrook Police Department. The reported comment sounded threatening and therefore caused a significant disruption and generated fear within the school. The investigation determined that there was no validity to the threat.

As a result, the Deans took appropriate action to discipline the student and will continue to monitor the situation and address student and parent concerns. Existing laws regarding privacy and student records do not allow detailed student disciplinary information to be shared by the administration.

In moving forward, the GBN administration is reviewing safety and security procedures and protocols with the staff and a heightened security presence will be maintained during the school day and at school events. A safe and secure atmosphere for everyone is our desired condition, and we will remain diligent in our efforts to maintain such an environment. Once again, the sharing of information in this situation was important and we ask students, parents and staff to continue to communicate any concerns to either the school administration or local authorities. In addition, students who continue to feel uncomfortable are encouraged to speak with their counselor or with any other staff member at the school. Likewise, parents and community members with any concerns are welcome to bring them to the attention of the administration.

Sincerely,
Dr. John L. Finan
Principal