Zwolle, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that Zwolle schools will be closed today due to a threat.

Sheriff Aaron Mitchell said, “Out of an abundance of caution for the welfare and safety of students and staff, the Zwolle School campuses will be closed today.”

School administrators, SPSB officials and law enforcement worked together to address the possible threat.

Wednesday afternoon the Sabine Parish School Board released a statement explaining that they received a credible anonymous tip through the Safe Schools Louisiana App. The board said student safety is of the utmost importance, which is why they made the decision to close Zwolle schools.

“All necessary steps were taken to ensure a smooth and safe return to campus on Thursday, October 5, 2023. We appreciate the collaboration of local law enforcement in this endeavor. We also appreciate the support and understanding of our parents and community members.”

The board said good faith actions and anonymous reports should be commended, and all reports are taken seriously. Reports are investigated by the board, local law enforcement and state police as needed.

School officials warned that the system can be spoiled if it is flooded with false reports and asked parents and guardians to discuss using the app responsibly. Students using the app to disrupt or cancel school will face disciplinary consequences, they added.

“Our goal is to provide all students with a safe learning environment to grow and thrive daily, as well as provide a means by which they can advocate for their own safety when threatened. As our students increasingly operate in a social/digital media world, this becomes even more important.

Please help us help all students by discussing responsible citizenship in and outside the digital world. As we all navigate this reality together with our students and families, rest assured that our students’ and staff’s welfare and safety is always emphasized. As such, there may be disruptions to the normal daily operations of our schools from time to time. Although inconvenient, we remain steadfast in the decision to always prioritize school safety.”

Superintendent Shane Wright