Watauga County Schools resume classes after threat forces district-wide evacuation

Watauga County Schools resume classes after threat forces district-wide evacuation
Posted: Aug 27, 2013 8:27 AM EDT
Updated: Aug 27, 2013 10:31 AM EDT


 
BOONE, NC (WBTV) -
All schools in Watauga County were evacuated Tuesday morning after a threat was called in to the 911 line.

Sheriff Len Hagaman told WBTV the schools were evacuated out of an abundance of caution.

An unknown caller said there was a device in every school. All schools are being searched and reopened once they are cleared, Hagaman said.

All nine schools in the Watauga County School District were evacuated before 8 a.m. There are roughly 4,500 students in the district.

The school district posted the following statement on their website: "School buildings have been evacuated in response to a bomb threat against all schools received by the Watauga County Emergency Communications Office.  All children and school personnel are safe.  Law enforcement will inspect each school to ensure that it is clear of any threats.  We anticipate that the buildings will be pronounced safe in time for students and school personnel to return to the buildings to complete the rest of the school day and parents do not need to pick up their children early.  We will announce any additional information as soon as it becomes available. Thank you for your patience and support."

All schools were cleared by 10:20 a.m., according to the school district. Lunch will be served, schools will dismiss at the usual times, and buses will run their regular routes at the end of the school day.

WBTV does not usually report bomb threats out of safety concerns, however, due to the widespread disruption caused by this one, we feel it is in the best interest of our viewers to do so.