Butler Area, Slippery Rock Area cancel classes, one cites threats as reason
The Butler Area and Slippery Rock Area school districts as well as numerous private schools canceled classes Thursday, Sept. 12, listing threats or caution as the reason.
The closures come after Butler Area ordered a modified lock down at the high school and intermediate high school Wednesday due to a vague threat found on social media.
Slippery Rock Area said it would close “in an abundance of caution” on its website this morning, but the message on Butler Area website from Superintendent Brian White said additional threats were received overnight were specifically directed at the high school and Butler in general.
Numerous private schools including Butler Catholic, St. Wendelin’s and First Baptist Christian School also closed Thursday.
The district has not been able to investigate all the new posts, and law enforcement hasn’t determined if the threats are credible, White said in the district post.
“This situation is incredibly disruptive to our school community. It is unreasonable to expect our students and staff to focus on learning in an environment clouded by fear and uncertainty,” he said. “While I am disappointed by the impact this situation has on our students and families, I am deeply frustrated by the individuals responsible for this disruption and the emotional distress they have caused.”
He said he is committed to pursuing all available legal avenues to hold those responsible accountable, and he has requested a meeting with the Butler County district attorney’s office, assistance from the FBI's Pittsburgh Field Office, and support from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. In addition, White said he will meet with the solicitor to explore legal action.
“Today, even though our schools are closed, our principals and school police, in coordination with local law enforcement, will focus on identifying those responsible for these threats,” White said.
