PATOKA, IL — Patoka School Superintendent David Rademacher says the school district has recently responded to a possible threat of violence by a student.

According to an email response to our inquiry about the threat, Rademacher says the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and has investigated the incident.

He says at this time, law enforcement has assured them that students and staff were and are not in any immediate danger.

According to Rademacher’s email, the student who made the reported threat has been identified and is being dealt with through the disciplinary process of the school. Because of student privacy laws, however, the identity of the student is not being released.

His message was also shared Wednesday on the school district’s website. Rademacher says the purpose of the message was to have open communication with the school community and dispel any rumors or myths about the situation. People in the community first began hearing about the alleged threat on Monday.

Rademacher noted students and staff safety is the district’s top priority, and they will continue to closely monitor the situation out of an abundance of caution.

He also thanked the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and everyone who had a part in resolving the situation.