A Mason High School student was arrested after the district says he made a “significant verbal threat” at a bus stop Wednesday.
Mason City Schools said in a statement the male student was arrested at the high school Thursday morning, adding that the threat was made toward some Mason Early Childhood Center students.
In a previous statement on the day of the incident, the district said the student “allegedly felt they were being picked on and, in response, made a verbal threat to shoot up the school.”
Several students reported the threat to administrators, while others used the phone or text tip line to report what the student had said, according to the previous statement.
As soon as becoming aware of the incident, the district launched an investigation, reviewed bus camera footage and worked closely with law enforcement, which ultimately resulted in the student’s arrest.
“We know that incidents like the ones we have shared this week can be unsettling, and we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority,” Thursday’s statement reads. “Our team is taking additional steps to reinforce a culture of safety, inclusion, and respect across all grade levels.”
Mason City Schools spokesperson Tracey Carson told The Enquirer that while the district cannot disclose specific student disciplinary actions, students who make threats of this nature generally face suspension with a recommendation for expulsion.
The district added that it’s working directly with the families impacted and is increasing support for the students involved. This includes increased supervision on all of the district’s buses, as well as providing “additional monitoring” on the route involved in Wednesday’s incident.
Additionally, all of the district’s schools are offering lessons to help students “develop empathy and integrity, recognize and report harmful behaviors, and practice standing up for themselves and others in positive, constructive ways,” the statement said. If a student wishes to have a conversation with a member of the Prevention & Wellness team, contact Prevention & Wellness supervisor TJ Glassmeyer at glassmeyert@masonohioschools.com.
To report a threat, the district shared three ways the community can access its tip line:
“Even if meant as a joke or out of frustration, threats—big or small—can lead to severe school and legal consequences,” the district said Wednesday. “Messages sent online, including group chats, gaming platforms, and social media are never truly private and can be misinterpreted.”
Enquirer reporter David Ferrara contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mason City Schools: Student arrested after making shooting threat
