CPD Says No Credible Threat to Chicago Public Schools in Light of Georgia School Shooting

CHICAGO (WLS) — An online threat targeting students and staff at a North Side high school led to increased security Thursday.

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ABC7 Chicago has learned that the principal of Taft High School, located on West Bryn Mawr Avenue, alerted parents of the threat via text message.

The message said Chicago police were investigating and confirmed the threat was not credible and everyone was safe.

Classes were scheduled to resume as normal on Thursday; however, in light of the Georgia school shooting on Wednesday, many parents have chosen to keep their children home.

Students told ABC7 Chicago they were nervous about returning to school.

Chicago Public Schools Superintendent Pedro Martinez sent a letter to parents about the district's safety plan:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been impacted by this tragic incident. We want you to know that at Chicago Public Schools, safety is our top priority. This includes working with school leaders, school security and staff, and our partners at the Chicago Police Department to promote a safe environment every day for all members of each school community. To accomplish this, we have worked to implement the following safety measures, which are already in place at schools:
– A comprehensive emergency management plan, as well as a school safety plan, tailored to our school community
– Regular emergency drills to address various crisis situations, including a situation that may involve an active shooter
– Standard entry and access control protocols, including a new visitor management system to monitor and track guests visiting schools.
– Secure exterior doors
– Dedicated and trained security guards in the building.

Winnetka police said they responded to a report at New Trier High School about a non-credible threat. They confirmed there was no credible threat to the community or students.

To learn more about CPS safety strategies, visit cps.edu/safetyandsecurity.