Multiple south Columbia schools locked down Friday

Rock Bridge Elementary School, Gentry Middle School, Rock Bridge High School, and the Columbia Area Career Center were all modified lockdown until further notice Friday afternoon.

The schools went on lockdown just after 2:00 p.m. due to an external threat. An anonymous threat on the social media site Yik Yak mentioned rumors of a gun being brought to Rock Bridge High School, according to CPS spokeswoman Michelle Baumstark. Baumstark said action was taken as a precautionary measure.

Law enforcement was present at the school for most of the afternoon.

No one was allowed in or out of the building until the end of the school day. ABC 17 confirmed classes dismissed on time.

A letter was sent out to parents to notify them of the situation.

In the letter, Superintendent Peter Stiepleman said, “We take the safety and security of our schools and students very seriously. We will not tolerate threats of any nature, especially when they cause disruption to the school day and result in countless hours of work to determine their validity and secure the safety of students and staff.”

Additional police and security will be present at Friday night’s football game at Rock Bridge High School.