DEXTER, Maine — Students at MSAD 46 schools will return Thursday after most schools in the district were closed Wednesday due to what officials are calling a "specified threat."
Following an investigation, Superintendent Kevin Jordan announced that schools are safe to open. Students in grades K-9 will start on Thursday and grades 10-12 on Friday.
There have been no details released on what the threat entailed. Dexter police said they received a call from the Dexter Police Department in Missouri stating that they had received a message on their message board referencing schools in Dexter, Maine.
Out of an abundance of caution, all schools in MSAD 46 other than Harmony Elementary School did not welcome students back for the first day of school, and athletic practices and games were canceled.
Though students are returning to school on Thursday, some parents in the district think the uncertainty is worrying.
Danielle Burton, an MSAD 46 parent, said her son was ready to start fourth grade at Ridge View Community School on Wednesday, and he was disappointed and confused about the delay.
"I was lying in bed, the kids were asleep, it was nine at night and we were not expecting to get a phone saying the first day would be canceled," Burton said. "It's terrifying, and why they're targeting the schools and the children I'll never know."
Burton said she is happy with how the school and police have responded to the situation to ensure kids’ safety.
Dexter Chief of Police Kevin Wintle said the investigation is ongoing and they are working with Maine State Police.
"We don’t believe there are any safety issues as far as the public," Wintle said.
According to Wintle, there will be enhanced security measures to keep students safe as they return to class, including more police around schools in the district.