Threat Cancels Classes At Plymouth-Canton High Schools

CANTON (WWJ) -Things are getting back to normal, Thursday afternoon, in the Plymouth-Canton School District, after classes were abruptly canceled for 6,300 students following a threat to faculty members from another teacher.

Canton Police arrested the 52-year-old man without incident as he reported to work Thursday morning, but classes were still canceled at Canton, Plymouth and Salem high schools as a precaution.

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools spokesman Frank Ruggirello said they became aware of threats being made by the staff member toward colleagues on Wednesday. That employee was asked to stay home Thursday, but when school officials couldn't reach him, it prompted concerns.

"Safety of our kids is always our number one priority, so we're always going to err on the side of safety," Ruggirello told WWJ.

At this point, Ruggirello said the teacher's future at the school remains uncertain as police investigate.

"We'll wait for the police to do their work and, again, we'll have conversations with them. But as in any employee situation and we'll make  decision about the teacher's employment with the district," he said.

The nature of the threat has not been disclosed.

Jimmy Jenkins, father of a Salem High student, was upset by the news.

"What kind of a world do we live in when our kids can't go to school and be safe?" Jenkins told WWJ's Ron Dewey.  "I pray for the teacher that made these comments. And, you know, whatever kind of problems he's going through it's too bad that he's got to bring them to our schools."

Canton Police said they expect formal charges to be filed against the teacher Friday afternoon.  In the meantime, he will remain in custody.

Classes are scheduled to resume at all three high schools on Friday.