It is the fourth such threat in the Warren County School District over the course of a little more than a week, though Gary Weber, Warren County School District superintendent, told the Times Observer that the threats aren’t related.

At 11 p.m. Tuesday, Weber issued a statement that another threat of firearm violence had been made, this time at Beaty Warren Middle School. According to Weber he “got word” Tuesday evening around 7:30 or 8 p.m. that during breakfast that morning a Beaty student had made a school shooting threat. Later last evening during dinner one of the students’ peers informed their parents that they had heard this threat being made. The parents immediately notified the Warren Police Department, which investigated the threat. Unable to further corroborate any potential threat with additional witnesses at the time of Weber’s announcement, the threat remains under investigation.

“This incident has nothing to do with the high school incident,” Weber said when asked if he felt there was a possible correlation between the two. “We have to consider these are middle schoolers who just say things.”

Because the threat was unsubstantiated and it was found that there was no threat to the students or staff, Beaty Warren Middle School was open and operating as usual Wednesday. That doesn’t mean there hasn’t been a disruption in the system caused by the potential threat. Although the child is not in school today as the investigation has not been concluded, Weber said the threat has disrupted the school day.

Portion of faculty/staff lot. Attendance is down today as threat causes disturbance to student learning.

“Attendance is down considerably today even though there is no threat,” Weber said. “Now they’re (the absent students) are not getting their education today. Fear (of being in school) is being created where there is no danger.”

Weber went on to say that he had received information that threatening comments had been made by Beaty school students on Wednesday.

“Charges will be lodged,” said Weber.

Chief of Police Joseph Sproveri verified that two additional threats were reported in “real time” as officers were present to ensure safety at the start of Wednesday’s school day.

“One threat involved a student making an alleged comment regarding having a bomb in their backpack. The second threat involved a student making an alleged comment regarding carrying out a school shooting.” Sproveri said in a statement.

Beaty Warren Middle School is open and conducting classes and activities as scheduled.

Both students have been removed from school and investigations have begun.

Threats of violence in the school district are nothing new. Weber said during the 2024-25 school year, between August and March, the district handled just under 100 threats. Weber stressed that the district works closely with all local law enforcement agencies and emphasizes that student safety is always paramount in decision making while following the district’s threat protocol.

“If we felt in any way, shape or form that there was a danger we would act on it.” Weber said.

Sproveri’s statement reiterates the importance of students, parents, staff and law enforcement to work together to ensure the safety of our children and said, “There will be zero tolerance for any threats or acts that jeopardize student safety.”

The next meeting of the Warren County School Board will be held on October 6th at 6pm at the district’s central office located at 6820 Market Street Russell, PA. These meetings are open to the public and community members are encouraged to attend in person or via Zoom by following the link on the WCSD website. Public comment is welcome during the meeting. Warren County School District information and Live Feed can be found at www.wcsdpa.org. Information on WCSD emergency procedures can be found at www.wcsdpa.org/o/wcsd/page/parent-emergency-procedures. Like and Follow the Warren County School District and individual county schools on Facebook.