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Law enforcement stepped up its presence and additional security measures were added at White Mountain Middle School in White City Wednesday after rumors that a shooting would take place on that day.

The Eagle Point School District issued morning and afternoon letters to parents Wednesday outlining what they knew and assuring them “rumors were investigated and found not to be viable.” 

“Parents, we need your support. Please talk to your children about how harmful the spreading of rumors can be to staff, students and the school environment,” the letter from district communications staff read. “If they hear something that is a threat to the safety of our students, please have them report it to an adult. Please discourage the use of spreading false information and/or unfounded rumors via social media.”

A subsequent news release from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, which provides a deputy to area schools, stated, “We take threats to school safety very seriously.”

In an interview, Aaron Lewis, public information officer for the sheriff’s office, said patrol cars were parked in front of the school as part the increased law enforcement presence. 

In addition, the district stated in its letter that a metal detector wand was used on all students Wednesday, and that effort turned up no weapons.

A district student, whose grade level was not provided, was reportedly “upset” Monday while at the middle school, where the threatening statement was made.

That led the district’s behavioral team to respond, and it determined the likelihood of actual danger was “low.”

In addition, the district dispatched its deputy to visit the student’s home to conduct an interview with the family. The deputy also determined there was “no danger to WMMS.”

But based on social media buzz and parents calling into the middle school concerned about the alleged threat, the district again made contact with the student’s family.

“We continue to believe there is not a threat to our students from this source,” the district’s Wednesday morning letter stated.

At that time, the district asked the sheriff’s office for additional law enforcement presence at the middle school.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone who learns of school treats to call ECSO Dispatch at 541-776-7206 to speak with law enforcement.