The Knoxville Community School District dismissed school today at 1:45 p.m. due to several factors.

According to Superintendent Cassi Pearson, with recent events in Las Vegas and other places, anxiety is heightened and there is additional fear of bad things happening that are out of the school district’s control. Wednesday’s threat found in the boys restroom at the high school was investigated and determined not credible. Pearson says the person responsible will be facing consequences for their action.

Pearson says the school district proceeded with having school today because they were confident that the risk to students and staff was no greater than any other day. Extra precautions were taken to ensure safety, and everything went smoothly at the high school, according to school staff.

The school district discovered a “copy cat” note at the Knoxville Middle School. It is not deemed to be credible, and the investigation is on-­going. Pearson says the district does not feel that students or staff are in any danger but they do know that people are worried and anxious about the situation.

“The school district chose to dismiss school early for all students and staff in compassion for their mental well-­being.”

All middle school activities are cancelled. High school practices are also cancelled. The home high school volleyball game is postponed. The high school cross country team will go to the conference meet in Chariton as planned. Pearson says the school district appreciates the public’s understanding for these tough decisions having to be made. They take these threats seriously and will follow through with consequences for those responsible. She says they also care deeply for the students and staff and believe they have made these decisions in their best interests.

Superintendent Cassi Pearson says school is on schedule as planned for Friday.