Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District releases statement regarding threats

OAK CREEK -- Rumors have been circulating regarding threats of violence at the Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District high school as well as many other school districts throughout southeast Wisconsin.

Dr. Sara Burmeister, the superintendent of Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District, says the Oak Creek Police Department, as well as other departments in other districts, have been investigating and have found nothing to substantiate the rumors.

Superintendent Dr. Sara Burmeister has issued the following statement addressing school safety and concern:

Many of you may have heard rumors circulating regarding threats of violence at our high school for this Friday (the Mayan Calendar end of the world).  This rumor is circulating in many other school districts in Southeast Wisconsin as well.  Our police department, as well as the police departments in many of the other school districts, have been investigating and have found nothing to substantiate these rumors.

This rumor has raised considerable anxiety among parents, coming as it does right after the unfathomable horror of the tragic shootings in Connecticut and while the shooting at the Sikh Temple is still fresh in our minds.

Please know that our administrative staff and our police department have all been responding to and investigating all information regarding the threat, which appears to be circulating primarily through social networking/media. 

At this point, Chief Edwards has assured us there is nothing to indicate that there is a credible threat to students and staff safety at our schools.  The police department will continue to take every threat seriously and investigate thoroughly. There will be an increased police presence at our high school in the next two days.

We appreciate the parents and students who have come forth with this information and take all concerns seriously.  If you or your child has specific information that you think we should know please call a high school administrator, myself, or the Oak Creek Police Department. 

Please be aware that Chief Edwards and the Oak Creek Police Department will be taking any spreading of rumors or threats very seriously, with significant consequences for those who provide false information or try to generate more threats.  These types of threats can never be tolerated, and given the recent tragic events, they create even greater concern than ever before.

Please be assured that we will continue to do all we can to provide a safe, orderly, positive, and productive learning environment for your children.  Your help and cooperation in working with us on this is greatly appreciated.