THIEF RIVER FALLS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Independent School District #564
230 LaBree Avenue South
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Bradley D. Bergstrom, Superintendent
(218) 681-8711 ext. 5226
Board of Education
Mike Spears, Chairperson
Misty Hempel, Vice-Chair
Kevin Ballard, Treasurer
Wayne Nomeland, Clerk
Board of Education
Jon Lindgren, Director
Chris Melbye, Director
Shannon Boen, Director
November 17, 2016 Dear Parents/Guardians: At approximately 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 16, 2016, administration was made aware of a possible threat against a school in northern Minnesota. A call was immediately made to law enforcement to confirm this information and see if the threat was specific to Thief River Falls or this part of the state. Law enforcement clarified it was not. When asked if we needed to lockdown the buildings, they advised against it as the threat was not specific to our area. Based upon the information they shared with us, we agreed not to enter into a lockdown. We were also advised not to share this information publicly as to not hamper the investigation. At no time did law enforcement feel there was a threat or danger to the staff and students in our district.
Some districts chose to notify staff and families as well as go into a soft lockdown. This was not what law enforcement was requesting. It should also be noted that the soft or restricted lockdown that schools in the area went into is what our everyday practice is in Thief River Falls Public Schools. During the day, all doors but the main entrance to our schools are locked. During times like this, it is important that we cooperate and support law enforcement in the job they need to do. We have complete trust and faith that should there have been a credible concern, law enforcement would have advised us to lock down our buildings. For parents, these can be very anxious times as the safety of your child or children is extremely important. The safety of your child or children is important to us as well. Please know that these decisions are always made with student and staff safety as our number one priority. We want to assure you that should an issue arise that requires us to do a full lockdown, we will do so to protect the safety of all. Thank you. Sincerely, Bradley D. Bergstrom Superintendent
MISSION:
A Community Partnership
Focused on Education
Student Achievement
PHONE
FAX
WEBSITE
(218) 681-8711
(218) 681-3252
http://www.trf.k12.mn.us
Focus on Program Development & Continuous Improvement ISD 564 is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
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