Public schools in Montclair, N.J., were closed on Monday after district leaders learned of a “potential threat” that raised security concerns, according to an early-morning email sent to parents and caregivers. Several hours later, the school district announced that the potential threat had been “neutralized.”
Damen Cooper, the interim schools superintendent, said in an email that the district became aware of the potential threat late Sunday night and could not elaborate, but that it was working with the local police to monitor the situation.
“I understand that this last-minute closure may cause inconvenience, but the safety of our students, staff, and entire school community is our highest priority,” the email said. The school district promised to provide updates to the community as they became available.
Renee Baskerville, the mayor of Montclair, said in a statement that the school closings were a “precautionary measure” and that there was “no immediate threat.”
“The schools are closed so that the security concern can be investigated,” she said. “I also wanted to make clear that this security concern is isolated to Montclair schools and does not affect surrounding communities or institutions.”
Several hours later, Mr. Cooper advised the community that the potential threat had been “neutralized,” thanks to a collaboration with the Montclair Police Department. The Police Department could not immediately be reached for comment.
“I understand that this situation may have caused anxiety and disruption for our entire school community,” Mr. Cooper said. “Please know that every step taken was guided by our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families.”
Several private schools in the area remained open on Monday. Adriana LaVarco, the director of admissions at one of them, Fusion Academy, said the police had encouraged the school to stay open because the threat was to “one specific individual.”
Montclair, a township in Essex County, N.J., is about 20 miles from New York City by car. Threats to schools have become relatively common in recent years, but closures are more rare.
