Extra cops and top administrators are on hand at Wilbur Cross High School Monday in response to a violent threat posted on social media.
Officials said they have not assessed whether the threat is credible. So they’re taking all necessary precautions.
Mayor Toni Harp said the threat is akin to a Columbine-type action, though she did not provide details.
“We are taking it very seriously” just in case, she said during her weekly “Mayor Monday” program on WNHH FM. “You have to take all of these things seriously. We are making sure everyone is safe.”
The Board of Education issued the following statement:
An overnight threat, made using social media, regarding New Haven’s Wilbur Cross High School has prompted the NHPD to support the security measures already in daily practice at the school.
At this time the specific origin and credibility of the message have not been determined but Police are actively investigating the matter. Police and other support has been provided to the school and its security team in order to maintain a safe school environment for all students and staff. Wilbur Cross remains in session and is on a regularly scheduled half-day today.
New Haven schools have effective security measures in place and rely on a close working relationship with the New Haven Police Department. This with the deployment of School Resource Officers in the district’s many buildings, assure the students, employees, visitors and faculty who use them are kept safe.
The BOE uses a notification system, through which parents and educators are notified and kept apprised of such events. This system was successful this morning in getting the message out. The case remains under investigation.
“Student safety is the top priority for New Haven Public Schools. The collaboration and planning with the New Haven Police Department, School Security, Central Office and Wilbur Cross Administration allows for us to respond to security issues quickly and proactively as we work diligently to maintain safe and healthy learning environments for all New Haven Public School students.” Said Superintendent Dr. Carol D. Birks