Boyce, LA (9/13/2024) – Parents of Northwood High School students voiced concerns after learning about a potential threat on campus. While many received multiple email notifications, some parents reported not receiving any updates from the school. UrbanCast reached out to Rapides Parish Schools system officials for clarification, but received no response at the time of publishing.
Those parents who did receive communications shared that the first notification, sent at approximately 12:17 PM, alerted families that a text message threat had been reported. Principal Alex Goodling stated that the school was working closely with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office to assess the credibility of the threat and reassured parents that safety protocols were being followed.
At approximately 2:27 PM, a second email was sent, providing further details. The Sheriff’s Office, with support from their Digital Forensics and Investigative Support Unit, was actively investigating the source of the threat. The message also informed parents of enhanced security measures on campus, including an increased presence of sheriff’s deputies and changes to dismissal procedures, such as monitoring the car rider line and releasing one bus at a time.
A final update, sent at approximately 8:24 PM, confirmed that the threat had been addressed. Principal Goodling thanked the Sheriff’s Office and the Cybercrime Unit for their swift action. While no credible threat remained, the Sheriff’s Office planned to maintain an increased presence at the school on Friday, September 13, 2024 as an added precaution. Goodling also thanked the Northwood community for their patience during the situation.
Despite these updates, many parents expressed frustration about the lack of direct communication. One parent shared, “Good luck getting an update! This happened at my daughter’s school, and we weren’t told anything. The school board won’t return my calls.”
UrbanCast would like to extend a special thank you to the parents who shared the email notifications in the comments and to those who sent us direct messages. Your efforts helped ensure that more families were informed during this tense time. After all, we are better when we work together.
The situation at Northwood High School follows a series of school-related threats in the area and country, including a recent school shooting in Georgia, a reported threat at Buckeye, and the arrest of a 13-year-old student for a school shooting threat earlier that day at Grant Junior High.
As law enforcement continues their investigation, Northwood school officials have pledged to provide timely updates and maintain transparency regarding the safety of students.
Related Article: 13-Year-Old Student at Grant Junior High Makes Threat to Shoot, School Communications Under Scrutiny
