Rockland District High School was evacuated for the third day in a row Wednesday morning, after threats forced the evacuation of the UCDSB high school and primary school on both Monday and Tuesday.
RDHS was first evacuated early Wednesday morning with arriving students being diverted to a safe location. After the grounds were searched and deemed safe, students returned only to be evacuated again just a couple hours later, marking the fourth evacuation process in three days.
A note from the UCDSB to parents and guardians stated that students had been bused to an alternate location to wait for police to clear the building as safe. Students walking to school at the time of the first evacuation were asked to stay home until further notice.
« We are working with police and following their direction, » read the email. « Student safety is our upmost priority. »
Despite the email, after three days of threats against student safety, parents are growing restless with the limited communication from the police and school board.
Russell County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) said they are continuing to investigate the threats, simply stating that officers « have followed established protocols, » and that the safety of the community and the students is « paramount ».
Police stated that schools are only reopened once police and school officials are « satisfied that it is safe to do so. »
Many parents have taken to Facebook groups decrying the school’s and the UCSDB’s ability to provide meaningful updates, with a number saying they will keep their kids at home until further information can be provided.
No additional information from the UCDSB has been provided at this time.
