Public schools in Montclair, N.J. were closed on Monday after district leaders learned of a “potential threat” that raised security concerns, according to an early-morning email sent to parents and caregivers.
Damen Cooper, the schools superintendent, said in an email that the district became aware of the potential threat late Sunday evening and could not elaborate, but that it was working with the local police to monitor the situation.
“I understand that this last-minute closure may cause inconvenience, but the safety of our students, staff, and entire school community is our highest priority,” the email said. The school district promised to provide the community updates as they became available.
Renee Baskerville, the mayor of Montclair, said in a statement that the school closings were a “precautionary measure” and that there was “no immediate threat.”
“The schools are closed so that the security concern can be investigated,” she said. “I also wanted to make clear that this security concern is isolated to Montclair schools and does not affect surrounding communities or institutions.”
The Montclair Police Department could not immediately be reached for comment.
Montclair, a township in Essex County, N.J., is about 20 miles away from New York City. Threats to schools have become relatively common in recent years, but closures are more rare.
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