By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
CLAREMONT, N.H. — Stevens High School will be closed today due to an unspecified threat of violence that originated within the school.
Superintendent Chris Pratt made a post on the Stevens High School website’s live feed at about 6 p.m. on Thursday night, informing families of the district that Stevens High School would be closed on Nov. 1.
On Oct. 31, a message originating from inside the high school was sent, which threatened an act of violence at Stevens High School on Nov. 1. No other school was identified, Pratt wrote.
“I take this threat very seriously and have been working closely with the Claremont City Police Chief, the Assistant Police Chief, and the SHS Principal to investigate and ensure our students’ safety,” Pratt wrote. “While Stevens High School is the only school that will not be in session on Friday, I felt it essential to share this information with all district families. As both your Superintendent and as a parent myself. I want to be as transparent as possible so you can make the decision you feel most comfortable about sending your student to any of the other schools.”
He continued, “I can always justify canceling school when there is a potential risk, but I cannot justify holding school in the face of uncertainty. Let me assure you I am only airing on the side of caution in regard to this threat. Unfortunately, threats like this happen too often within school and we just can’t take any risk in this day and age. In the meantime, the Claremont City PD will be patrolling throughout the day for all the schools to ensure a presence.”
Pratt stated that he will continue to work with the Claremont Police Department and the high school administration to identify the person responsible for the threat. He thanked the families for their understanding and support and assured them that safety is his top priority. He concluded by saying that the school day will need to be made up at the end of the year.
Attempts to reach Pratt and Police Chief Brent Wilmot were made on Thursday evening, but messages were not returned by deadline.
