Colbert Public Schools Cancel Classes Amid Investigation Into Shooting Threat

COLBERT, Okla. — (Sept. 11, 2025) – Colbert Public Schools canceled all classes Thursday morning following reports of a shooting threat targeting the district, officials confirmed. The decision to close schools came as law enforcement launched an investigation to determine the credibility of the threat and ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff.

Announcement and Immediate Response

The district released an official statement shortly after 7:00 a.m., notifying families and staff that campuses would remain closed while authorities assessed the situation.

Superintendent Dr. Linda Patterson emphasized that the safety of students was the district’s highest priority:
“We are working closely with law enforcement to evaluate the situation. Out of an abundance of caution, all classes are canceled until further notice. Our thoughts are with our students, staff, and families during this stressful time.”

Parents were urged to pick up children who had already been dropped off and to avoid traveling to school buildings until the district provided updates.

Law Enforcement Investigation

The Colbert Police Department is leading the investigation with support from the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities have not disclosed details about the source of the threat but confirmed that they are treating it as a credible situation requiring immediate attention.

Detectives are currently reviewing social media posts, school communications, and any other information that may clarify the origin of the threat. Police are also coordinating with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) to ensure all safety protocols are followed.

Sgt. Johnny Christian, spokesperson for the Bryan County Sheriff’s Office, stated:
“We are taking this very seriously. We will not compromise the safety of our students or staff. Until the threat has been fully assessed and neutralized, schools will remain closed.”

Community Reaction

The closure prompted mixed emotions among parents and residents. While many expressed concern and fear, most praised the district for prioritizing safety over convenience.

One parent shared, “It’s frightening to think a threat was made against our kids, but I’m glad the school acted quickly. Better safe than sorry.”

Neighbors noted that this is not the first time school districts across Oklahoma have faced threats, with a number of incidents in recent years proving to be false alarms, though authorities caution that each situation must be taken seriously.

Broader Context

Across the nation, school shootings and threats have increased, leading districts to adopt more cautious protocols. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 70% of U.S. schools reported receiving some form of threat in the last two years, underscoring the growing importance of school safety measures and rapid response plans.

Colbert Public Schools’ decision to cancel classes aligns with a growing trend of precautionary closures in response to potential threats, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness in educational settings.

Next Steps

District officials have indicated that further updates will be provided throughout the day. Law enforcement has assured the public that additional officers will patrol campuses once schools reopen.

Parents and students are encouraged to follow the district’s social media channels and website for the latest information. Counseling services are expected to be made available to students and staff affected by the incident.

Authorities also urge anyone with information about the threat to contact Colbert Police Department or Bryan County Crime Stoppers, ensuring anonymity if desired.

Ensuring Safety in the Future

While Thursday’s closure disrupted normal school activities, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness, awareness, and community involvement in protecting students. Officials say they remain committed to maintaining a safe learning environment while thoroughly investigating the situation.