photo by: Dylan Lysen/Lawrence Journal-World

Lawrence Public Schools district offices pictured in April 2021.

The Lawrence school district announced Friday that it worked with police to investigate two unrelated threats, both of which were determined to be unfounded.

In a news release, the district said it worked with the Lawrence Police Department to investigate two unrelated reports of students making threatening comments at West Middle School and Lawrence High School. In both instances, the reports were determined to be unfounded. Superintendent Anthony Lewis said in the release that he appreciated that the concerns had been brought to the district’s attention.

“We want to continue to encourage anyone with a concern about safety at one of our schools to report it to the school administration or law enforcement,” Lewis said. “There is nothing more important to us than the safety of our students and staff. Allegations of threats, of any kind, will be taken seriously and investigated fully.”

The release said that after school on Thursday, West Middle School received a report from a student who said another student had talked about bringing a gun to school on Friday. The school administration notified the Lawrence Police Department and worked with a school resource officer to investigate the allegation. The release said the investigation included interviewing the student who made the report and the student accused of making the remark, as well as talking to their parents. On Thursday night, the school resource officer notified the district that the investigation had found no credible threat and that no action was required. The school administration informed West Middle School families Thursday night.

On Friday morning, the release said, Lawrence High School received a report from a parent whose student said they heard another student say on Thursday, “You better not come to school tomorrow (Friday).” The school administration worked with a school resource officer to investigate, including interviewing both students involved and speaking with both families. The release said the investigation determined there was no threat made toward Lawrence High School, and the administration informed LHS families of the report and the investigation.

Lewis thanked the school resource officers for looking out for students and staff and assisting in investigating safety concerns.

“The safety of our community’s children is a shared responsibility,” Lewis said.

Lewis also said he was grateful to all who participated in the district’s recent series of Let’s Talk Safety Community Forums during the last three weeks, and that those conversations would continue. During these six forums, the district provided an online form to collect people’s comments about safety. Community members may provide feedback at https://bit.ly/3JA09FD.