FAIRMONT, W. Va. – A recent crackdown at North Marion High School will possibly include a nationwide prohibition on mp3 players, cell phones and backpacks, states Marion School Superintendent James Phares.
The crackdown came after several West Virginia schools have reported bomb threats, resulting in campuses being evacuated and loss of instructional time.
On Oct. 18, a teacher notified authorities when a “device” was found along with a message on a dry erase board. The “device” was actually a two erasers with a cell phone taped between them.
The possible culprit has been identified and criminal charges will be taken against that individual, Detective Sgt. Doris James said.
While no instructional time was lost with this scare, Phares said, effectively immediately, students:
- Will be visually checked by teachers or administrative staff
- Will only be allowed to use one entrance to the school.
- Will be subjected to random backpack searches
- Will be randomly “wanded” with a hand-held metal detector
- Will sign in and out when leaving a classroom.
Hallways and bathrooms will also be monitored, as will all buildings on the school’s campus.
