In response to an alleged threat made via social media message from one student to another, the Fredonia High School investigated the situation with the help of the Fredonia Police Department. Following an investigation into the matter, the district and police determined the school could open safely Friday.

“When we get information that even remotely could be considered some kind of threat, we take it extremely seriously and we start investigating immediately,” said Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Bradley Zilliox. “What we try not to do is get too far ahead of ourselves and start making assumptions about what a situation could be. Sometimes we don’t know for sure what it is.”

Zilliox said the threat was addressed by the Fredonia Police Department, who ended up viewing it as not credible. Zilliox said the expertise the Fredonia police brings to the table in situations like this is invaluable.

“They bring a definite expertise to these kinds of topics that is well above that of your typical administrator,” Zilliox said. “And they assist us with investigations. A key part of their job is investigation, and although that is part of our jobs as well, we feel they bring a different level of expertise to that process as well.”

Zilliox said High School Principal Darrin Paschke, Assistant Principal Greg Lauer, and the school’s security adviser Tim Kachelmeyer did a “thorough and professional job” throughout the process. While Friday’s school day at Fredonia ended up going well, Zilliox said that they will always proceed with caution.

“Our general mindset is to err on the side of caution,” Zilliox said. “We would rather do that than have people feel in any way casual about this kind of information or situation.”

As part of that cautionary mindset, the district also took extra steps on Friday to ensure the safety of students, staff, and community, including requesting an increased police presence at the school.