Niles schools and police tighten rules, enlist FBI after second threat

Staff report

NILES

Police have enlisted the aid of the FBI in probing a second telephone threat in two weeks, which led to cancellation of classes in the entire school district Tuesday.

At the same time, school Superintendent Ann Marie Thigpen has imposed several restrictions on students in grades six through 12 including prohibiting bookbags in schools “until further notice.”

John Marshall, acting police chief, said the latest incident occurred in a call to the police station before the start of classes. “It was a threat to blow up a school, but wasn’t specific about which building,” Marshall said. Thigpen promptly ordered the buildings to be closed.

Police say nothing was found in the buildings.

“We are pursuing a couple of bits of information with the FBI,” said Marshall, who declined to go into specifics. The acting chief said the department is also checking with phone providers in hopes of getting a lead to the origin of the calls.

In addition to her ban on bookbags, Thigpen said that students who bring gym bags to school can expect to have them “searched upon arrival.” She said the bags will be stored in a central location until the end of the school day.

The superintendent and Marshall said there will be “a police presence” at all school buildings today, particularly during student drop-offs and school dismissals.

“I don’t want parents and students uncomfortable about coming to school, but what else are we supposed to do as a district?” Thigpen said. “It makes me shake my head.”