by Austin Marsman

A threat of violence was made by a student to Martin Public Schools earlier this week. Another student reported the threat to administration officials Thursday and action was taken.

Allegan County Sheriff’s office and school officials investigated the threat and deemed it not credible. Officials also met with the student and his family. 

Superintendent David Harnish told TownBroadcast, “We take our school’s safety seriously. When we heard about this threat our response was swift and immediate.”

An automated call was sent out to Martin families around 2 p.m. Friday to inform them about the situation. Additionally, a letter was sent home with all students emphasizing that all threats will be taken seriously. 

The letter penned by Superintendent Harnish reads “We need to come together as a community to end this disruption to student learning.”

Harnish encourages students to speak up if they see or hear anything saying, “The safety of our staff and students is our number one priority, and we will continue to be vigilant.”

The entire campus is in an expedited process of security upgrades including a buzzer system at all entries. Actions were in response to student and community concerns about safety after the Feb. 14 mass shooting in Parkland, Fla.