Pulaski County schools return to (almost) normal routine after online threats

PULASKI CO., Va. (WDBJ) - September 14 was a beautiful day not for Friday night football, but Saturday afternoon football, as officials with Pulaski County Public Schools said they’re planning to return to normal after threats were made against the school last week.

It was a threatening meme against a Pulaski County school, created by someone who has not been identified, that spread online, causing widespread panic throughout the system.

“We held about, close to 10 interviews with students and families,” said PCPS Superintendent Robert Graham. “They were really respectful and understood and we were able to figure some things out, particularly about inappropriate sharing of the meme that was created.”

Graham said the meme threatened to “shoot up” Pulaski County Middle School at 1:30 p.m. Friday. It was similar to a threat spread on social media the previous week.

“Our students and our staff have done a really, really good job of maintaining as much as they can . . . as much normalcy as they could,” said PCMS Principal Becky Blevins. “But at the same time, . . . You can tell there’s an uneasiness, mostly amongst our students, and are they safe? Are they going to be okay?”

Officials then canceled classes Friday September 6th and 13th.

“I’ve always said even when there’s inclement weather, you can always make up school day. You can’t make up a life,” said Graham.

After nearly 8 hours of interviews for the investigation Friday, Graham said they determined the meme was misinterpreted, and there was no threat to the school.

In light of the incident, Lt. Stuart Nelson with Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, who’s helping in the investigation, said they almost entirely canceled the football game against Lord Botetourt High School scheduled Friday.

“There was some discussion about canceling the game, and it’s not fair to the students, it’s not fair to the parents,” said Lt. Nelson. “But bringing everybody back in a safe manner and there’s some new restrictions come out, which I think is going to help keep everybody safe.”

Instead, they rescheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m.

Graham said it felt good to be back in the stadium with all the Pulaski County Cougars and he said it’s the first time things have felt normal in a long time.

“Yesterday did not feel normal . . . When you’re at the sheriff’s department trying to figure out if there’s an actual threat on your school division,” said Graham. “I know many school divisions are dealing with this, and it’s just frustrating and sad.”

Officials are still trying to find who created the meme. The person will be prosecuted.

“We have been working with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and we have their full support,” said Lt. Nelson. “When we do find the person that’s responsible for it, they will be charged and brought to court.”

For now, players are back on the field, the band is back in the stands. Staff and students said they’re looking forward to being back in school Monday.