Rio Rancho Public Schools sent a safety message to families Sept. 24 to address a series of threats relating to potential school shootings.
The message said the district is “actively addressing” school shooting threats that have been circulating on social media and through text messages.
“The Rio Rancho Public Schools Safety and Security Department, in collaboration with the Rio Rancho Police Department, is investigating every threat,” the district said in the message. “To date, none of these threats have been deemed credible.”
Last year, RRPD and the Rio Rancho Public Schools Safety and Security Department conducted a search on a student’s vehicle parked on campus and found a gun, drugs and cash. The student was arrested.
In 2022, on the same day as the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that killed 19 students and two teachers, Rio Rancho police arrested a student found with a gun at Cleveland High School.
“We recognize that situations like this can provoke serious concern and anxiety among students, parents, and staff,” RRPS said in the message. “In addition, we see a series of copycat threats. Rest assured, the safety and well-being of our school community are our top priorities. We remain fully committed to maintaining a secure environment and deeply value those who promptly report threats.”
Last week, Albuquerque Public School reps confirmed staff found two guns, one of which was loaded, on campus at Volcano Vista High School. On Sept. 5, a student was found with a gun at Valley High School.
There have been no guns found on campus at RRPS schools this school year but the district is prepared for strict punishment if guns are found or more threats are made.“Any student found responsible for making threats of this nature will face swift and severe disciplinary action,” RRPS said. “These threats are not just disruptive; they drain valuable resources and time, causing unnecessary fear and anxiety. The full force of our policies will be applied to ensure that our schools remain safe and that those who threaten our community are held accountable.”