(updated Tuesday, 7:30am)
In the wake of bomb threats, all five public school buildings as well as the central administrative building were checked Monday night by Rye PD and the Westchester County Bomb Squad. Buildings were searched with bomb-sniffing dogs. Searches were conducted even through authorities did not believe the threat to be credible. All buildings were deemed “clear”.
Rye schools will open on time Tuesday morning.
_
The Rye Schools are reporting bomb threats have been made against schools in Westchester and NY State.
“We have been told that law enforcement officials do not believe the threats to be credible but are closely monitoring and investigating the situations,” said Superintendent of the Rye City School District Eric Byrne in an email to the school community.
Tuesday email:
From: Eric Byrne
Date: Tue, Nov 21, 2023 at 7:00 AM
Subject: RCSD Received Bomb Threat/Schools Have Been Cleared by Police and Bomb Squad
To: Rye City School District Recipients <[email protected]>
Dear RCSD Community,
Late last night, the District was made aware of an email bomb threat made against our school buildings. The Rye Police Department and the Westchester County Police Bomb Squad, while not believing the threat to be credible, came to all five schools and the Central Administration Building last night to check them thoroughly with bomb-sniffing dogs, working into the early morning. All five schools and CAB are clear, and we will open on time this morning. There will be an increased police presence at all schools today.
I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the Rye PD, the County Police Bomb Squad, and our Facilities department for coming out and working through the night to inspect our schools so students and teachers could come to school safely and on time today.
If you have any questions, please reach out to me. The safety and security of our students, teachers, and staff is always our top priority.
Sincerely,
Eric Byrne, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Monday email:
From: Eric Byrne
Date: Mon, Nov 20, 2023 at 3:15 PM
Subject: Bomb Threats Made Against Area Schools
To: Rye City School District Recipients
Dear RCSD Community,
The Rye Police Department reached out to us this afternoon to make us aware of a number of bomb threats via email that have been made against schools in Westchester County and elsewhere in New York State. A number of schools have evacuated or have had early dismissals as a result. We have been told that law enforcement officials do not believe the threats to be credible but are closely monitoring and investigating the situations.
We have not received threats against any of our schools. We are working closely with the Rye Police Department; our school district administration and security team are fully aware and prepared to respond appropriately should such a situation arise.
As always, the safety and security of our students, faculty, and staff are of paramount importance.
Sincerely,
Eric Byrne, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
