Priest River students 'walk out' over unaddressed concerns

PRIEST RIVER — A walkout by Priest River Junior High School students gained attention Wednesday as numerous parents shared both their concerns and their opinions about the event — and the alleged threats that prompted it.

According to parents, students claim that the walkout was to express "concern over unaddressed threatening comments" from one student to another.

Loretta Glazier, principal of PRJHS, sent two emails — one Monday night and a second Tuesday morning regarding the alleged threats.

“I, among others, reviewed the camera, interviewed students who were sitting in close proximity to the student during advisory class, interviewed the student himself, and concluded that there was no imminent threat,” Glazier wrote in one of the emails shared by parents.

She also said that she met with the school resource officer, Sgt. Chris Davis; the child’s parent, a school counselor, director of special services, and the student’s classroom teachers to discuss ways to help the student. 

“I do my best to ensure the safety of all students and do not take a single incident lightly,” Glazier said. “I’m an information gatherer and must proceed accordingly based on the facts and evidence presented before me.”

However, some parents pulled their children from school over the matter and others supported their decision to stage the walkout. Many said they were frustrated by what they said was a lack of communication and poor handling of the matter. 

This is an ongoing story and will be updated.

Contact: eseaberg@bonnercountydailybee.com