For the second day in a row, a threatening message was scribbled on a wall of a bathroom at Ector Middle School, 809 W. Clements Ave.
The copycat message, also written in pencil, says a shooting would take place at 11 a.m. Thursday.
It is the third such message left at Ector this year, along with two similar messages and two social media threats made at Permian High School, a news release said.
The district is asking students and parents to help.
“If you know anything about these messages, report it. Student Crimestoppers is always available and allows all tipsters to remain anonymous. Call 333-TIPS. Of course, you can always talk to a teacher, counselor or principal at your school,” Public Information Officer Mike Adkins said.
Only about one-third of students attended school at Ector Wednesday — between 500 and 600 students.
Ector Middle School is in its fifth year of improvement required status under state accountability standards. If the campus doesn’t come off the list, it will face closure or the Texas Education Commissioner will appoint a board of managers over the whole district. Noel and Zavala elementary schools are in the same position.
“A day like this — with no learning taking place for most kids — hurts the students and their families, the school, and the community tremendously,” Adkins said.
“We need our entire community to realize these types of threats cannot continue. We need our kids in school, learning every day. We want to assure parents we will always investigate threats like this. Our police officers are following up on potential leads now. Criminal charges will be filed, if possible,” he added.
