Threat Was Not Directed At Shaker Heights Schools, District Says

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH — A recent threat to a school identified only by its initials — SHS — was not referencing Shaker Heights High, the district said this week. The Shaker Schools increased their security and police presence last week after discovering the threat.

It has since been learned that the threat was directed at Springfield High School in Springfield, Ohio. The threat, with its vague wording, had schools across Ohio and parts of the nation on alert last week. Strongsville High and Solon High also increased their security measures last week.

A Springfield High student has been arrested in connection with the threat. There was no threat made toward Shaker Heights, the district said.

Still, the incident did provide an example of how the district and the community could handle a threat. Both the police department and school officials were made aware of the online message referencing SHS on Thursday morning.

A local family contacted Shaker Heights dispatch to say their student, and others, had received a threat via social media. The dispatcher contacted police officials, who then followed their internal protocols. A call was made to Shaker Heights School officials and police treated the threat as active and real until the investigation proved otherwise.

"As stated in previous communications, we will continue to work with SHPD on preventative measures, such as random searches of lockers and safety protocols, to deter students from bringing contraband into our buildings. Further, our students and families are our best partners in safety: they know that when they see something suspicious, it's crucial to say something to an adult in charge," the district said in a statement posted online.

School officials said they will continue to work with police on any threat.

Photo from Shaker Schools