With parents questioning notions of a pending threat to Gilmer High School, Superintendent Dr. Shanna Wilkes offer the following press release in response:

Rumors are spreading regarding two separate threats to the Gilmer County School system. The first was a potential shooting threat at Gilmer High School that was reported last evening. The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in the case and there is no further credible threat to Gilmer High School. The second is a bomb threat that is currently under investigation by the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office. Although initial reports indicate that the threat is not credible, the safety of our students and staff is always our main priority. All appropriate action will be taken to ensure the safety of our students and staff and we are operating under a normal school schedule.

We appreciate the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Department for their investigation. It is imperative for students and everyone to know that credible or not, threats of this type against our schools cannot be tolerated or accepted. Unfortunately, these types of incidents do occur on occasion; but, we will always report and investigate each and every incident. I am sure many of you have received bits and pieces of information and I appreciate each of you having faith in our District to fully investigate and know that the safety of your child is our only concern. We will always notify you of such incidents as soon as we have all the facts and credible information to share.

Gilmer Schools are continuing through their day today as normal without early release. FYN will continue to follow this story should any further information become available.