Several dozen central Indiana school districts canceled in-person learning today, after a bomb threat was emailed to the districts, officials report. The Indiana State Police said it was notified early Friday morning of the messages, which threatened “the use of explosive devices that had allegedly been planted on various school campuses.” ISP said it has been working with the Department of Education and various local and federal law enforcement agencies since, and no suspicious or explosive devices have been found in any schools. Some of the school corporations affected included, Lebanon, Center Grove, Frankton Lapel, Marion Community and Noblesville. Lebanon Schools published a press release related to the situation.
Overnight, approximately 35 Indiana school corporations located across the state received a message alleging that a destructive device had been placed in an unnamed school district facility.
Due to the timing of this threat, and out of caution for the safety of our students and staff, LCSC made the decision to observe an eLearning day for Friday, April 14, 2023.
Lebanon Schools Police, administration, and our facilities department personnel have immediately begun inspecting our buildings. We are asking that no staff, students, parents, or community members enter any of our district facilities until the building has been cleared for entry.
Because our elementary schools are engaged in standardized testing at this time, schools did not allow iPads to go home with students yesterday afternoon. We understand that this may limit some elementary students’ ability to connect to CANVAS today. Our eLearning guide allows for additional time for students to complete assignments. Your child’s teacher, and principal will communicate expectations related to assignments and completion.
I understand there will be speculation and a desire for details related to the message we received. However, this matter is of course being investigated by law enforcement agencies and the Department of Homeland Security. For that reason, I am unable to provide details of the message or investigation.
I want to thank everyone for your understanding and flexibility today. We say often that student and staff safety is our highest priority, and this is true. In enforcing that priority, we sometimes have to alter our operations quickly and with little notice. We need the cooperation of our community, parents, staff, and students. I am grateful for your cooperation today.
I know you will all join me in thanking our administration, facilities department personnel, Lebanon Schools Police, and all agencies involved for their efforts today and the days to come as we address this matter.
To the degree I am able, I will share more information as it becomes available.
Thank you,
Dr. Jon Milleman
Superintendent
Lebanon Community School Corporation
