BCMS enacts measures to combat thefts

BONNERS FERRY — Boundary County Middle School is enacting a series of measures to reduce and prevent further bomb threat occurrences after a note scrawled in the boys bathroom Oct. 29 scrambled first responders in a scene that is becoming all-too commonplace in Boundary County.

The call came in just after noon. Middle-schoolers were evacuated to the high school while emergency resources searched the school. Students were allowed back in just after 1:20 p.m. Multiple fire departments were represented for the schoolwide search, as well as EMS, Sheriff’s deputies, City police and Emergency Incident Commander Bob Graham.

While the investigation is ongoing, in order to combat the problem, BCMS principal David Miles II is enacting a number of measures. He says:

1. Staff will be reducing the number of students allowed in the halls during class time.

2. Custodians and Miles are doing more frequent and more thorough bathroom checks.

3. They are using hall cameras to help identify suspects.

4. They are working in conjunction with local law authorities and their detectives to interview witnesses and suspects.

5. They will be informing students of penalties verbally during the next week through morning announcements and discussions in their advisory classes.

6. They will be informing students of the penalties by hanging posters outlining those penalties in strategic areas such as bathrooms.

Students conducting bomb threats, or having knowledge of others planning or conducting bomb threats without reporting them, will be recommended for expulsion, per school board policy 3350.

Bomb threats are a felony in Idaho and are punishable up to 5 years in prison, according to Idaho Statute 18-3313.

In addition, the school day and/or school year may be extended due to lost time during bomb threats, Miles II says. His warning poster offers another solution as well, saying,

“There are better ways to resolve whatever issues you face. Talk with Mr. Miles, Ms. Norwood, or a trusted adult to find better ways to deal with your concerns.”

Parents and community members continue to react with outrage over an issue that seems systemic year after year in Boundary County schools. Community members took to Facebook to discuss the ongoing issue.

“I’m so sick of this,” one community member offered, “These are terrorist attacks and deserve to be treated as such.”

“I fear that these actions could jeopardize a patient who may really need help, possibly delayed as peace officers, paramedics and fire dept. are all on a false call. Just a few minutes can make all the difference when someone really needs help,” said another.

“This is sad. Think of how many times it’s been a lie,” said yet another. “What happens if the next time is a real one? Kids need to think of others before lying.”

One thing is sure. Every time these threats are made, it costs the community in time, resources and money.

“I say make each person responsible for each incident pay the entire cost of the threat,” one post offered. “Let the families pay. It’s ridiculous for the school district to absorb it. Definitely NOT in the budget.”