To our Naperville 203 Community & Staff,
I would like to take a moment to address the recent threats we have been navigating in Naperville 203. Before doing so, I want to reiterate that our top priority is to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
We consider each of these incidents serious and credible threats, and in each situation, our district has worked closely with the Naperville Police Department and other law enforcement agencies throughout the country to ensure that we are able to thoroughly and completely investigate these threats. As I stated during Monday’s Board of Education meeting, I share the same frustration, anxiety, and anger that our community is feeling. I need you to know that I would never put our students in harm’s way.
We will continue to do our best to share information with families. Please understand that in most cases we are limited in what we can communicate, as we need to ensure that our communication does not interfere with ongoing police investigations.
I do have one update for you on the situation last Friday, Oct. 15, at Naperville North. The Naperville Police Department, in conjunction with assistance of federal and out-of-state police agencies, have identified a juvenile offender from another state as being the person responsible for that threat. The investigation is still ongoing and any appropriate charges will need to be reviewed with the State's Attorney's Office, not only in DuPage County, but in the state where this juvenile offender resides. I have already communicated to law enforcement my intent to seek justice to the fullest extent allowed by the law.
Finally, I am asking for your help. In this Joint Community Letter, signed by myself and other community leaders, we outline ways in which our parents and guardians can help put an end to these threats and allow us to move forward peacefully. Please take the time to review our letter and have important conversations about school safety with your family.
Sincerely,
Dan Bridges
Superintendent
