Schools in Newberg, Oregon and across the country continue to deal with unsubstantiated rumors about threats of violence fueled by current events and social media.

There have been no specific or credible threats to any school or group, according to Newberg-Dundee Police Captain Jeff Kosmicki.

“We’ve interviewed many students who have come to police or school officials. “‘I heard this’ is a common thread,” said Kosmicki, “These comments are taken seriously and we have exhausted any and all leads. We have found nothing substantial.” The rumors have come in the wake of the recent Connecticut and Clackamas tragedy, and the doomsday predictions with the end of the Mayan calendar on Friday.

As frustrating as the rumors are, Superintendent Kym LeBlanc-Esparza assures parents that the school district takes its responsibility to keep schools safe very seriously. 

“Just because there is no credible threat, it does not diminish our awareness and commitment to keep all students safe,” says LeBlanc-Esparza.

Safety procedures in schools this week include:
• Review of safety plan and procedures at each school
• Continued collaboration and planning with local police
• Controlling school building access and securing doors
• Higher awareness of who is entering the building
• Review of school safety procedure with staff to ensure they are prepared to use them if needed

Newberg-Dundee Police have increased their presence in district schools this week and expect four to five uniformed officers on the high school campus Friday according to Kosmicki.  Police officials stress that this is not in response to a viable threat but to provide a presence and ensure the well being of students and staff.

Schools are operating on normal schedule this week. If parents choose to keep their students out of school on Friday, they must contact their student’s school office per school policies and Oregon law.