February 3, 2020
Dear Parents and Guardians of MSAD #37 Students:
I am writing to provide you with our most up-to-date information regarding the threat that came in to 10 high schools across the state on Friday. It was an e-mail threat that was received by a Maine business (in the Orono area) early in the day on Friday that specifically mentioned several Maine schools as targets. This threat did specifically mention Narraguagus, Jonesport-Beals, and Machias Memorial High Schools. The other schools that were included in the threat were in Penobscot and Aroostook Counties.
We have responded consistent with our Emergency Management Plan. We have been working with both the Washington County Sherriff’s Department and the Department of Education. The FBI and the Capital Police are also involved with the investigation. Additionally, consistent with guidance from the Maine Department of Education, we have advised our staff members to increase situational awareness and report any suspicious activity or persons to local law enforcement and our transportation personnel to report any suspicious or aggressive behaviors observed by other vehicles as a precaution. Also, as a precautionary measure, Washington County Sherriff’s Department has increased its patrols in and around our schools and we have an officer stationed at Narraguagus.
We appreciate the prompt attention from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, and the Maine Department of Education. Our law enforcement partners continue to monitor the situation.
Please know that our highest priority is the safety and security of all students and staff and that response procedures included in our Emergency Management Plan are in place specifically in support of that priority.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Warmest regards,
Ronald Ramsay
Superintendent of Schools