UPDATE (4:10 p.m.) – The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office has released additional information about the threat, saying it was “general in nature” and not directed at the school or a specific person.
Sheriff’s officials say they responded and began searching the school and nearby New Tech High.
Officials say the decision to lock down the schools and have students shelter in place was made by the school.
Detectives, K9s, the Department of Fish and Wildlife and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office all responded.
The threat was determined to not be credible, authorities say, adding that the investigation is ongoing.
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(UPDATE: 3:12 p.m.) – District officials say afterschool release and pickup are taking place as usual Thursday along with athletics and after school activities. However, sports with early departures have been rescheduled.
Officials say authorities remain on campus.
“We recognize that today has been difficult and we truly appreciate your support as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff,” district officials said. “We take any threat seriously and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to aid in their investigation.”
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UPDATE (1 p.m.) - Both schools were still sheltering in place as of 1 p.m. Thursday as authorities worked to do a full sweep of the campus.
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UPDATE (11:46 a.m.) – Students, staff and faculty and Nipomo High and Central Coast New Tech continued sheltering in place shortly before noon Thursday.
District officials say the online threat was received by Nipomo High.
"In working with law enforcement, they determined to do a full sweep of the campus," officials said, adding that it is not a quick process.
District officials say students will be fed and that are able to use the bathroom.
People are still being told to stay away from campus.
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ORIGINAL STORY: People were being told to stay away from two Nipomo schools Thursday morning due to a reported threat.
Officials with the Lucia Mar Unified School District said they reached out to authorities after receiving a report of an online threat. Nipomo High School and Central Coast New Tech then went into “Secure in Place.”
As of 10:43 a.m., law enforcement was reported to be on scene restricting access to the schools.
District officials say students and staff are safe in classrooms, adding that “We are committed to student safety.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available.
