Update: A student has been identified in relation to the message written in the public restroom stall at Parkersburg South. There is currently no credible threat. Thank you to the PSHS administrators and staff, WCS Safety and Security team, and the Parkersburg Police Department for their work in this situation and bringing a resolution to the investigation.
Parkersburg South High School resumed its normal schedule on Wednesday after school officials and local law enforcement investigated a concerning message discovered on campus earlier in the day.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., Wood County Schools was made aware of a threatening statement written on the wall of a public restroom stall at the school. Out of an abundance of caution, students remained in their second-period classrooms while the situation was assessed by school administrators and district safety personnel.
The Parkersburg Police Department responded to the school and worked alongside the district’s Director of Safety and Security and school administration to review the situation. During the investigation, the school was not placed on lockdown or lockout.
At 11:29 a.m., students were released from their second-period classrooms and transitioned to their fifth-period classes, allowing the school to return to its regular daily schedule, including normal lunch periods.
Following the investigation, Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew Board indicated that the threat does not appear to be credible. As an added precaution, the Parkersburg Police Department maintained an additional law enforcement presence on campus for the remainder of the school day.
Wood County Schools expressed appreciation for the prompt response and assistance from the Parkersburg Police Department and Chief Board, as well as the cooperation of students, staff, and families during the situation.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority,” district officials said. “We appreciate the support and understanding of our community as we worked to ensure a safe learning environment.”