Montclair, New Jersey, faced a tense situation as all schools in the area were closed on January 13, 2025, due to a reported threat. According to the Montclair Public School District, the closure was initiated as a precautionary measure while police investigated the credible threats made against the schools. A suspected staff member was taken into custody by local authorities, as announced by Montclair police. Superintendent Jonathan Ponds stated, ‘The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. We are working closely with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation of this matter.’ Parents were notified about the situation and were advised to keep their children at home. Community members expressed their concerns over the incident, emphasizing the importance of safety within schools. Some parents conveyed relief that the district took immediate action. One parent noted, ‘I appreciate the swift response from the school officials and police. It could have been a scary day for many families.’ The police department confirmed that there was no active threat to the community at this time. They assured residents that updates would follow as the investigation continued. The schools are expected to remain closed until further notice.
