It’s business as usual at Clearwater schools after a threat prompted a hold and secure situation and increased police presence Monday, Jan. 29.
School District 73 superintendent Dr. Rhonda Nixon issued an updated statement at approximately 3:51 p.m. on Monday thanking parents and caregivers for their patience and understanding, noting the hold and secure at Raft River Elementary and Clearwater Secondary was no longer in effect. The schools operated in typical fashion, on Tuesday, Jan. 30.
Very little information has been released regarding the nature or credibility of the threat.
In a news release issued Tuesday, RCMP Cpl. James Grandy explained that school administration notified RCMP Saturday, Jan. 27 at about 9:30 a.m. of information they received of a possible threat to the River Raft Elementary School.
He said the decision to operate Monday in a hold and secure situation was done “out of an abundance of caution.”
Sunday evening (Jan. 28) Nixon notified parents and caregivers of Raft River Elementary and Clearwater Secondary of the situation, via a letter.
“Upon police recommendations and consultation, I am notifying you of a concern,” noted Nixon. “The district principal of safe and caring schools received an anonymous report that involved a possible threat to Raft River Elementary School. As this information was worrisome in nature, police were contacted, and a police file was created.”
In the letter Nixon said the schools would be on a hold and secure.
On Monday morning, parents could be seen walking their children toward the local elementary school, with teachers meeting them at the main doors. Buses were also running as usual.
An increased police presence could be seen around both the elementary school and high school in Clearwater as RCMP from Clearwater and Barriere detachments patrolled the area. There were also two additional BC Highway Patrol members assisting along the Highway 5 corridor.
During a hold and secure situation, it is a typical day within the school, except all outdoor activities are moved indoors. The principal also ensures students and staff do not leave the building and all doors are locked and monitored by staff to prevent unknown persons from entering.
Worried parents took to social media, airing their safety concerns as well as the lack of information surrounding the threat.
Nixon noted because the matter was a police file, no other information could be shared.
Sgt. Grant Simpson of the Clearwater detachment said Tuesday Mounties are still actively investigating the matter. He added that police will also continue to keep patrols up at the local schools.
