Los Angeles Schools To Reopen Wednesday After A Bomb Threat Prompted Its Closure; Mayor Eric Garcetti Concludes It Was ‘Not A Credible Threat’
The Los Angeles United School District (LAUSD) announced that all schools are set to reopen on Wednesday after a bomb threat prompted its closure Tuesday. CBC reported on the same day that a threat was received by some of the members of school board via email. The threat caused fear primarily because a mass shooting recently took place nearby San Bernardino.
Superintendent Ramon C. Cortines, LA schools chancellor, said in a dispatch that he wanted to guarantee security and safety in the schools, which is why he has made the decision to close it.
"I decided to close schools, and this choice was not made lightly. It disrupted the lives of our students, our employees and their families," Cortines says. "Based on recent events, I took this precaution out of an abundance of caution and ensure safety and security in our schools."
He said that classes and after-school activities will continue on Wednesday.
"We now must get back to the business of educating our kids. Our local districts will be supporting school and maintaining consistency. I have asked state Schools Superintendent Tom Torlakson to allow us to count today as an instructional day and reimburse the District for funds we will otherwise lose," he adds.
Cortines ended his statement by reminding "everyone to remain diligent." He encourages everyone that "if you see something, say something."
Meanwhile, LA Mayor, Eric M. Garcetti guaranteed "it will be safe for [the] children to return to schools tomorrow [Wednesday]," as noted by New York Times Tuesday.
"We can now announce the F.B.I. has concluded this is not a credible threat," Garcetti says.
On the other hand, school board President Steve Zimmer said cooperation of the families and neighbors will be needed to secure the safety of the students.
"We need families and neighbors to work together with our schools and with our employees to make sure our kids are safe throughout the day," Zimmer says, as reported by CNBC Tuesday.
"We need employers to show the flexibility that a situation like this demands. And we ask you to show the maximum possible flexibility with your employees who are primarily mothers and fathers and guardians today in this situation."
