'Potential Threat' At Ridgewood High School Addressed By Officials Monday

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Rumors of a "potential threat" at Ridgewood High School have been circulating for some time, but they're unfounded, said a school official on Monday.

Ridgewood Superintendent of Schools Mark Schwarz issued a letter to the school community on Monday morning addressing the rumors, which he said "have been circulating for some time."

Schwarz wrote in his letter, "We are aware of ongoing rumors regarding a potential threat at the high school. These rumors have been circulating for some time and have been, and will continue to be, thoroughly monitored and investigated."

Schwartz said that a communication was sent just to high school parents on Sunday night, but he wanted to address the entire school community because the rumor has spread throughout the district.

A report in the Record of Hackensack said the letter on Sunday night revealed that the rumor had actually been spreading for several years, and that it was that a specific student would "shoot up the school" when they turn 18.

The school had a greater police presence on Monday due to the rumors, the story said.

Schwarz wrote in his letter, "To be clear, working closely with the Ridgewood Police Department, we have determined that there is no credible threat against any of our schools. We will continue to investigate the origins of these rumors and take appropriate actions as needed in coordination with the police department."

Schwarz added, "Thank you for your partnership in ensuring a safe learning environment for our students."

Patch has asked the Police Department for more information and will update this story if details are released.