On the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 4, Ann Arbor Schools Superintendent Jeanice Swift announced that Scarlett Middle School would be closed for the day due to threats made on social media the night before.

In an email sent out to parents and staff Swift stated that the district would be continuing to “work vigorously through a thorough investigation” in partnership with the Ann Arbor Police Department to identify and “hold those individuals responsible for their actions.”

Surrounding this event, there have been numerous emails sent out regarding classroom and building security policies district wide. In an email sent out on Monday afternoon, Pioneer Dean Jodi Bullinger reminded staff of district policy: “all classroom doors must be locked at all times.” Bullinger also mentioned classroom furniture being left in hallways, stating that “should we need to evacuate the building, it is imperative that we do not have obstacles in the way of egress.”

In a district-wide email on Wednesday, Executive Director of School Safety and District Operations Liz Margolis stated that “(keeping classroom doors locked) is a universal best safety practice for schools,” and that these reminders are “for your safety and the safety of your students.”

The investigation has been handed off to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s office, and Scarlett has since resumed normal operations. Swift previously stated that they “look forward to welcoming all our Scarlett students and staff on Wednesday for a successful finish to this school week.”

On Thursday afternoon, Mlive reported that the suspect attends a school in Washtenaw County outside of the AAPS District, and has been suspended until a decision is reached about criminal proceedings.