Kodiak school officials say they’re in touch with law enforcement after threats of violence surfaced on social media that’s part of a disturbing nationwide phenomenon.
Geoff Smith, assistant superintendent for Kodiak Island School District, says the superintendent decided to ask for increased police presence in Kodiak’s schools.
“He made arrangements and contacted local law enforcement agencies: the Alaska State Troopers, the City of Kodiak Police, and then the military police as well, just so that they were also aware of this threat that came out at the national level,” Smith said.
The school district says it’s responding to threats of violence in schools that have been posted on the social media platform Tik Tok.
A Tik Tok post circulating around the country threatened violence in schools on Friday, December 17, but did not mention Kodiak.
An email went out Thursday to Kodiak Island families saying absences will be excused if parents want to keep their children home on Friday.
“You know, this is a time of year that we really want to be together, celebrating with our loved ones and our families and our students. And it’s unfortunate that attention has to be drawn to something like this,” Smith said.
Schools around the country are taking precautions. Some school districts in other states have canceled classes altogether. The Juneau School District is also increasing police presence in their local schools.