Communication #6
Sent to families at 9:58pm
Dear Families,
Very Fondly,
Andrew Kourt
Superintendent
Communication #5
Sent to families at 2:15pm
Our building continues to be on a secure lock out due to the emailed threat made this morning. The threat was specific in nature and was directed towards a specific individual. The Columbia County Sheriff Department is still investigating the source of the threat.
Due to the continued investigation, all after school activities on and off campus have been canceled for today. This includes all athletic games and practices affiliated with our BNL programs. The Berlin Central School District has been made aware of the cancellations. Tonight’s board meeting will continue as planned as we have to meet specific New York State budget deadlines. We have requested law enforcement presence at tonight’s board meeting due to today’s events.
School dismissal will take place at the regularly scheduled times, and law enforcement will be present in both buildings. Pending the investigation outcome, additional law enforcement will be present at school tomorrow.
I will share additional information with you as it becomes available to me. I want to thank our community, the Sheriff’s Office, and the State Police for their due diligence and support during this investigation.
Sincerely,
Andrew Kourt
Superintendent
Communication #4
Sent to families at 12:25 PM
Dear Families,
The emailed threat continues to be investigated by the Sheriff’s Department and The State Police. We are continuing the district’s secure lock out until lifted by authorities. Students are not allowed to leave the building or enter the building without individual permission. All recess and outdoor activities are postponed for the time being. There is a police presence in both buildings, with a heavier presence at the Jr/Sr. High School.
As soon as I have additional information I will be sure to let you know. I will send another communication within the hour.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Fondly,
Andrew Kourt
Superintendent
Communication #3
Sent to families at 11:06 AM
Dear Families,
As promised I would send you an update hourly in regards to the emailed threat that was received by our district this morning. Please know that both buildings are secure and our students are going between classes and activities as usual. We are continuing the district’s secure lock out until lifted by authorities. Students are not allowed to leave the building or enter the building without individual permission. All recess and outdoor activities are postponed for the time being. There is a police presence in both buildings, with a heavier presence at the Jr/Sr. High School.
The Sheriff’s Department and the State Police are working together to investigate and identify specifics on the threat. They are currently in the middle of their investigation and will update the district once they have specific information. I will be sure to keep our community updated and informed throughout the process. I will update you again within the hour.
I appreciate your support.
Fondly,
Andrew Kourt
Superintendent
Communication #2
Sent to families at 9:46 AM
Dear Families,
As I promised I will provide you with a regular update on the emailed threat we received this morning.
The Sheriff’s office is diligently investigating the threat and have some leads to help them do so.
We are going to continue the secure lock out until notified otherwise by the Sheriff department.
There will be an increased security presence on our campuses.
I will send you another update with any additional information. Our students are in classes as usual, no one is allowed to enter or leave the building without permission.
Fondly,
Andrew Kourt
Superintendent
Communication #1
Sent to families at 8:50 AM
Dear Families,
This morning, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, the New Lebanon Central School District received a threat of harm against the district.
The alleged threat was made via email. Upon learning of this, the District immediately contacted the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department and both buildings are on a secure lock out. This means students, parents, community members can’t leave the building or come in without permission from the main office and/our law enforcement. This also means students will not be be going outside for recess or PE today. The students are in classes and learning as usual.
As the investigation is ongoing, you may notice an increased police presence on campus. We will continue to work with law enforcement to determine who is responsible. Threats of all kinds, even if made in jest or made anonymously, are taken very seriously. If it is a student that is determined to have made the threat, they will face serious consequences through our school’s Code of Conduct, as well as potential criminal charges.
We are grateful for the relationship and cooperation we have with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Department, and the New York State Police, and for the speed at which they react to safety issues that arise within our district.
Please know that safety is of the utmost importance at New Lebanon CSD. We ask you to reinforce with your children the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to an adult as soon as possible.
I will send you an update within the hour.
Fondly,
Andrew Kourt
Superintendent