Dozens of Indiana schools switch to virtual learning due to potential bomb threat

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ind. (WXIX) - Multiple schools across Indiana are having an eLearning day due to a report of a potential bomb threat, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were notified early Friday morning by Indiana State Police of a potential bomb threat to Madison Consolidated School System, the sheriff’s department said.

State police say an email message was sent to dozens of schools “threatening the use of explosive devices” that were allegedly planted in the schools.

Rising Sun-Ohio County Community Schools, Union County College Corner Joint School District and dozens of other districts also received a bomb threat and switched to e-Learning on Friday.

“Dispatch called me, I shut our buses down immediately and then at that time called off school for an e-Learning day,” explained Rising Sun Superintendent Branden Roeder.

He says city police and the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office swept the school’s halls and thankfully found nothing.

While Rising Sun Superintendent Roeder says e-Learning isn’t ideal for the students, they will not miss a day of education because of the threat and keeping them home for the day meant keeping them safe.

“Our students and staff are used to e-Learning and great at it and transitioned super fast,” said Superintendent Roeder. “So, right after the call went out, I sent an email out to staff and I had limited questions, just because they’ve played this game before and the students know exactly where to check in to so we’re ready to go.”

At least 20 school districts were affected by the potential threat based on their websites.

As of now, investigators have not found any suspicious or explosive devices, Indiana State Police said. However, the origin of the threat is still something they are looking into.

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