Local schools will remain closed Monday after Maine School Administrative District 75 officials received a series of threats targeting multiple buildings in the district.
Superintendent of Schools Heidi O’Leary first announced a two-hour delay early Monday while law enforcement assessed the credibility of the threats. She warned at the time that the delay could turn into a full-day cancellation depending on the investigation’s outcome.
Just before 8 a.m., the district announced a full closure for the day, citing ongoing safety concerns. The closure affects all public schools in Harpswell, Topsham, Bowdoin and Bowdoinham.
“While many such threats are often determined to be hoaxes, the volume and scope of these messages across multiple buildings have created an environment of insecurity and potential chaos,” O’Leary wrote in a message to parents. “We must treat all threats as credible until law enforcement can fully confirm otherwise. Our primary obligation is the safety and physical security of our students and staff.”
All extracurricular activities and school events are also canceled for the day “unless otherwise noted,” she said.
O’Leary said officials are working closely with local law enforcement to investigate the source of the threats and ensure campuses are secure before students return. Further updates will be shared with families as information becomes available, she said.
