Three More Threats After Board Approves Cameras

By Andrea Arens

Two more similar threats were found on both Monday, May 15, and Tuesday, May 16, after one was found the previous week. Both said almost exactly the same thing and had the same handwriting, “Shooting May 24,” but they were at different schools.

Monday night’s threat was found at Peotone Junior High, while Tuesday night’s threat was found at Peotone Elementary School.

Tuesday’s threat came with an explanation the district is doing everything they can to find the suspects, and they were working with the Peotone Police Department. Superintendent Steve Stein also said strict monitoring of the restrooms was being implemented.

Calls from social media included everything from parents homeschooling their children to teachers carrying guns.

At the May 15 Peotone School Board meeting, the board approved the purchase of security cameras for a cost of just over $50,000.

Stein thanked the board for the approval, since it was ahead of schedule. The board approved the high school cameras at the last monthly board meeting.

Wednesday evening was met with another threat. This time the threat was racist in nature, directed at black students via social media, and shared with other PHS students.

Stein went on to add that in this threat, the individuals were identified and disciplinary actions were taken, despite an ongoing investigation. Peotone Police were notified and Chief DeMik said the department was working with the school district.