By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Many Ellinwood Middle and High School students were absent from class Wednesday following alleged threats made by a classmate on Tuesday. USD 355 Superintendent Ben Jacobs could not comment specifically on the matter but did release a message to parents and the public about the matter. The message was also posted on the Ellinwood Public Schools Facebook page where it elicited more than 100 comments.
According to the release, building administration at Ellinwood Middle/High School received a report of an alleged threat indicating a weapon was on the premises. Through investigation by staff and law enforcement, it was determined that the alleged threat did not happen by the student in question.
"In any circumstance, our investigation procedure involves the student in question, parents/guardians, building administration, and local law enforcement," the release from USD 355 said. "Yesterday was no exception and all parties cooperated fully."
Some parents who commented on the release expressed concerns over the timeliness of the alert, which went out at 2:21 p.m, after the alleged threats were made around noon. Others voiced concern that the same student is alleged to have made multiple threats. On March 7 at 8:01 a.m., a similar message was from the district was sent to parents indicating a potential threat to the school was made overnight and, after investigation, found not to be credible.