Goodrich School District was one of 21 districts in the Genesee Intermediate School District that closed their schools Thursday and Friday, two days before winter break was to begin, due to threats in Genesee and Lapeer counties following the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary on Dec. 14 that took the lives of 20 young students and six women at the school in Newtown, Ct.
‘Friday (Dec.14) was a game changer,? said Scott Bogner, Goodrich superintendent. ‘Everyone was on edge that day’however, the district, including students and staff did a wonderful job under the circumstances. Over the past week they have maintained focus on teaching and learning, while practicing security procedures to ensure the safety district wide.?
‘Other instances in the county and in Lapeer County all played a part in the closing of the school district on Thursday and Friday. The events of this past week are taken very seriously. That includes jokes and threats’while Goodrich Area Schools has not experienced any threats’there are rumors that have multiplied as a result of social media. We’ve discussed information from local law enforcement, the realities of being able to investigate every threat, information related to district sensitivities, and our concerns about whether a normal instructional day could be achieved.?
Lisa Hagel, superintendent spoke for the 21 (GISD) districts that, like Goodrich, closed on Dec. 20 and 21.
‘It is clear that Friday, Dec.14 changed all of us. As educators, we acknowledge, and we believe our communities would agree, that schools are at the center of concern right now,? she said. As school district superintendents, we have been in constant communication with one another and there are too many unique factors that have influenced our unanimous decision to cancel school and all school activities.?
Brandon along with the Oakland County School District remained open on Thursday and Friday.