Colbert Public Schools Cancel Classes Amid Investigation Into Shooting Threat
COLBERT, Okla. – (Sept. 11, 2025) – Colbert Public Schools abruptly canceled classes Thursday morning after officials confirmed that law enforcement is investigating a credible shooting threat targeting the district. The decision comes as school leaders, parents, and police work together to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The Announcement
The district released a statement just after 7:00 a.m., notifying families that all campuses would be closed for the day. Superintendent officials stressed that the move was made “out of an abundance of caution” while authorities assess the seriousness of the threat.
Parents who had already dropped children off at bus stops were asked to bring them home. School buses were turned around, and teachers were advised not to report until further notice.
Law Enforcement Response
The Colbert Police Department and the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office are leading the investigation. Authorities have not released specific details about the nature of the threat or how it was received, but they confirmed that detectives are treating it as an active case.
Bryan County Sheriff Johnny Christian stated, “We will not take any chances when it comes to protecting our children. Until we can verify the credibility of this threat and ensure all campuses are secure, classes will remain canceled.”
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has also been contacted to assist, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Community Reaction
The sudden cancellation caused disruption for many parents, but most expressed relief that the district prioritized safety. One mother of two students said, “It’s scary to even think about, but I’m glad they didn’t hesitate. I’d rather deal with missed classes than risk my kids being in danger.”
Others in the community echoed the sentiment, noting that schools across Oklahoma have increasingly faced threats in recent years, some of which have turned out to be hoaxes.
Growing Concerns Over School Safety
Nationally, reports of threats against schools have surged, fueled by social media and copycat incidents. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 70% of U.S. schools reported receiving a threat of violence in the last two years, straining both educators and law enforcement.
Colbert’s decision to shut down for the day reflects a growing trend among school districts choosing caution, even if investigations later reveal the threats to be unfounded.Looking Ahead
District officials say they are working closely with police to determine whether classes can safely resume on Friday, Sept. 12. Additional officers are expected to patrol school grounds once campuses reopen, and counseling resources will be made available for students and staff shaken by the disruption.
In the meantime, investigators continue to track the source of the threat, and anyone with information is urged to contact Colbert Police or Bryan County Crime Stoppers.
