Gateway School District cancels Thursday meeting and activities, high school instruction remote Friday due to social media threat

Gateway School District officials have canceled a special school board meeting, all after school activities and are moving to remote learning as a result of a social media threat.

Monroeville police Chief Doug Cole said the threat was discovered by the district Thursday.

Cole declined to disclose details except that it was a threat of violence at the high school to take place Friday.

Police added patrols Thursday afternoon and continue to investigate.

Cole said at this point the department was “unable to determine its authenticity,” and district administration took several actions out of an abundance of caution.

These include canceling Thursday night’s special meeting and data presentation, as well as the high school moving to remote/virtual instruction Friday.

The district reported the incident via letter posted on its website.

“Students reported the post found on social media to staff members who then reported it to the administration,” the letter read. “The Monroeville Police Department was immediately notified and are currently investigating the origin of the post. Additionally, Gateway School Police and administration are actively working in cooperation with local law enforcement.”

More information will be sent to high school families via email, the district post read.

The school board meeting is expected to be rescheduled.

Its agenda indicated there would be discussion about the district’s health and safety plan.

Gateway went masks optional Monday following the state Supreme Court ruling throwing out a mask mandate.