Highland County Public Schools Receives Second Threat this Week

On the afternoon of Wednesday, February 28, parents of Highland County School students received a message from Superintendent Dr. Drew Maerz, vis robo-call and push notifications – it read:

“HCPS Families, This is Superintendent Drew Maerz informing you that another threatening message was written on the girls’ high school bathroom stall this morning. This threat identified a specific staff member. HCPS and the Highland County Sheriff’s Office are working together to investigate these threats and to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Thank you.”

In a statement released to press later in the evening, Dr. Maerz addressed parent concerns regarding lockdowns and procedures following the two threats this week. It reads:

“The Highland High School office was notified of an additional threatening message written in the girl’s bathroom Wednesday morning.

All inappropriate or threatening messages are reviewed by the school administration and, when appropriate, the School Resource Officer and the Sheriff’s Office. Wednesday’s message was reviewed by all parties and was deemed to be neither an immediate danger nor an imminent risk to our students or staff. 

Please know, HCPS takes all threats seriously and will always make the safety of our students and staff our priority.” 

AMR News will keep you informed of this developing story.