Increased security at Sardis High after threat

Following a threatening email sent to Sardis High School Principal Wendy Gibbs late Friday afternoon, the school saw an increase in security Monday morning as students returned for class.

The email, sent from an anonymous source, was shared with the school resource officer and the Etowah County Sheriff’s Department, which is now investigating the threat with the FBI and the Oxford East Metro Area Crime Center.

Attendance was down at the school Monday. Still, extra officers were present from the sheriff’s department to monitor the entrances. A metal roll-up gate inside the building that can be used to close off access to one of the hallways from the main entrance was closed, too.

“We are taking a lot of extra safety precautions,” Gibbs said. She was unable to provide further details.

Chris Winningham, Director of Personnel and Safety with the Etowah County Board of Education, was also at Sardis Monday and said that safety is standard protocol at all the schools in the county.

The board tries to have school resource officers on all of its campuses, he said. One of the officers present at the school confirmed that school resource officers were present at Sardis Middle School, Whitesboro Elementary, and Carlisle Elementary.

Deputies will be present at the school throughout the investigation, according to a statement released by Etowah County Sheriff Jonathon Horton on Monday.

Horton said that procedures are in place to ensure the safety and security for the faculty, staff, and students of Sardis and all Etowah County Schools.

“The safety of Sardis High School students, faculty, and staff are the top priority at this time. Please be assured that safety policies and procedures are in place, and The Etowah County Sheriff’s office will be providing extra security as needed at Sardis High School,” said Alan Cosby, Etowah County Schools Superintendent, in a statement over the weekend.