Livingston School Threats Not Coming From ‘Current Student,’ Officials Say

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Livingston school administrators made the decision to postpone the Back to School Night event at Livingston High School on Tuesday in the wake of two threats against the district, authorities say.

School officials and police previously stated that the first threat was posted to social media on Sunday when a person reportedly posted a Facebook message that stated they had been bullied and planned to “shoot up” Livingston High School on Monday morning, and that it would be "judgment day for anyone who attempts to stop the violence.”

• See related article: Student Makes 2nd Threat To Livingston High School, Authorities Say ‘Not Viable’

Principal Mark Stern and Superintendent Chris Steffner provided an update about the safety situation on Tuesday, stating that the threats did not come from a current LHS student.

“After much debate, conversation and feedback, we have decided to postpone the LHS Back to School Night,” the joint statement reads. “This decision is based upon the input of parents and staff who have been under a great deal of stress over the past few days. We believe that under the current circumstances the program will not be as effective as intended and we look forward to the time when we can come together to focus on the classroom instruction as the evening deserves.”

Stern and Steffner stated:

“We continue to be in close communication with the police department and thank them for all of their efforts. [Tuesday’s] opening went smoothly because of the coordinated efforts of the police, staff, students, parents, and the administration who put the comfort and sense of safety of our students first. About 85 percent of our students attended class today. We will continue to monitor the situation with the Livingston Police Department and make the necessary decisions as the situation unfolds... As school leaders and parents, we promise to make every decision based upon what is the best interests of our students. The high school is open because we have been assured it is safe.”

Stern and Steffner asked local parents not to “contribute to the rumors and false information” by using social media as a forum to share unsubstantiated information.

“Livingston High School is special,” the administrators stated. “While moments like this can generate the potential to spread rumors and gossip among anonymous posters, our students, teachers and parents continue to quickly bring information to us and other trusted adults in our community.”

Livingston police called the threats “non-viable” on Monday.

Photo: Livingston Public Schools