South Butler schools will be in 'modified lockdown' on Friday

A student’s threat against the South Butler County School District led to what district officials called a “modified lockdown” last Monday, Jan. 7.

With rumors still circulating through the community, Superintendent David Foley announced in a Jan. 10 letter posted to the district’s website that the district will implement a similar lockdown plan on Friday.

“Modified lockdown” means that no visitors will be admitted to any school building, and students will remain indoors during the entire school day. School police will heighten their visibility, and the district is also working with local police who are providing additional patrols of the school’s campus.

“None of the rumors or reports have been substantiated,” Foley wrote. “There are no known credible threats to students or staff.”

Jason Bowen, 18, of Middlesex Township, was charged with terroristic threats, causing catastrophe, possession of drug paraphernalia and a weapons offense after allegedly threatening students in an online video post that shows him firing a semi-automatic rifle. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 16.

“Moving forward, we encourage you to talk to your children about telling what they know or see,” Foley wrote. “Make sure they are aware of the (school’s) tip line and what should be reported there.”

The school’s tip line is 724-352-1700, ext. 5911.

Foley wrote that the district is taking staff and student safety very seriously, and that “in the interest of uninterrupted instruction, we need to provide this extra layer of security.”

Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Patrick at 724-850-2862, pvarine@tribweb.com or via Twitter @MurrysvilleStar.