At 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2015, Tuscola High School was cleared by law enforcement officials. Principal Travis Collins sent a rapid notification message to students, staff and parents that campus was cleared and school will be on a regular schedule for Friday, April 24, 2015.

“The campus was safe and there was never any actual danger for our students and staff,” said Travis Collins, principal. “Unfortunately, threatening messages are sometimes left on high school campuses. When that occurs we will always follow our safety procedures and protocols. We want to take every reasonable step to protect our students and staff.”

School administrators and teachers quickly evacuated the remaining students on campus. Officers from the Haywood County Sheriff’s office conducted an extensive sweep of the campus. Teachers and other staff assisted by redirecting traffic coming to campus and staying with students who did not have transportation at an off campus location.

We are thankful for the rapid response from the school staff and the Haywood County Sheriff’s Department, said Bill Nolte, associate superintendent. “We are so fortunate to have good partnerships with local law enforcement and staff members who go above and beyond in situations like this.”

Contact: Dr. Bill Nolte, Associate Superintendent