ASHEBORO – Schools throughout Randolph County continued with classes Friday with increased law enforcement presence because of threats stemming from social media.
The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office deployed extra deputies to all school campuses, according to the department.
“As in any instance of a threat, precautions are being taken. Additional law enforcement are present on school campuses in Randolph County,” according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
A Snapchat threat was sent throughout the state and to other parts of the country, according to several reports.
Asheboro City Schools continued operations, though advisories were sent to parents.
As part of a memo from the city schools, officials had been “made aware of a social media post with threatening messages towards schools.”
Though the message was sent nationally, it was shared within the Asheboro High School community, according to the school’s notification to parents.
So, the school day began with a secured perimeter with all students reporting directly to their classrooms. No students were permitted outside the main building until that directive was lifted.
Superintendent Steven Gainey of the Randolph County School System delivered a message to parents Friday night via an automated phone service.
“I am calling to make you aware that a national message of potential school violence was posted on social media during the night (Thursday) night,” Gainey’s message said. “Please know that the leadership of the school system is working closely with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department to investigate and monitor this situation. Also, the Sheriff’s Department has placed additional officers on our school campuses throughout the school system as a means of additional support for the safety of our students and staff members. Please know that the safety of our students and staff members is our first priority at all times.”
