Rumors prompt extra security at RSS schools; all on lock down Friday | Schools

SALISBURY - Rumors and threats are creating work for law enforcement, have put all schools on lock down Friday, and are even causing some parents to keep their children out of school that day in Rowan County, according to parents and the spokeswoman for the Rowan Salisbury School system.

Rumors, from threatening to ridiculous, have pervaded social media in the days following the school massacre in Connecticut.  Students in the Rowan-Salisbury system have told parents and teachers that they are worried.

The only specific threat, according to Rita Foil of RSS, involved East Rowan High School and resulted in four or five extra deputies being assigned to the school through Friday.

"Numerous rumors are flowing throughout the schools with none that have been substantiated," Foil told WBTV.  "We are working with law enforcement and there are extra officers throughout our system.

Every school in Rowan Count, the Rowan-Salisbury system, will be on a Code Yellow lockdown Friday. That means that all doors will stay locked and there will be no outside activities.

Southeast Middle School was on lock down Thursday, and will remain on lock down Friday with the rest of the Rowan County schools.

"As a precaution, Southeast Middle is following a code yellow lock down procedure for today and tomorrow due to the unfounded rumors that are circulating," Foil said.   "Principal David Miller sent a Connect-ED message to parents to let them know. Code Yellow means that all doors are locked and there are no outside activities."

On Thursday morning parents told WBTV about rumors concerning East, as well as Jesse Carson High School, West Rowan High School, and North Rowan.  In at least two of those cases, law enforcement has been involved in determining the credibility of rumors.

"They, law enforcement, have gone over and beyond to make our students and staff feel safe," Foil added.  "They are invaluable partners to our schools and they are definitely going the extra mile and beyond to help us feel safe. There are extra law enforcement officers in our schools throughout our district.

Foil also said that if there is any message that parents should get from the school system right now regarding the rumors, it's that they are working to ensure student safety.

"We join with them in feeling the same concern for the safety of our children," Foil said.  "We are parents too and together we will work through this scary time. We want nothing more that to be sure that our schools are secure and our safety procedures are as flawless as they can possibly be. We are proceeding forward with reviewing, researching and making changes wherever we can. Our law enforcement officers are amazing in the dedication and care that they give to our schools on a regular basis, but most especially during this last week. This community is extremely fortunate to have these officers protecting us."