Superintendent says recent investigation was not a schoolwide threat; district, police coordinated response

Superintendent Mike Bridal told the Marlboro Central School District Board of Education on the evening of Jan. 16 that a law-enforcement investigation earlier in the month did not involve a threat to the high school and that district officials worked closely with the Town of Marlboro Police Department on the response.

Bridal said the district had to correct misinformation circulated on social media after an initial post on Jan. 8 and that a separate police-led inquiry began the evening of Jan. 9 after the department received reports of “a possible threat or threatening comments.” He said: “There was no such investigation taking place at the high school. There was an investigation, but it was not about a a threat to the school or the safety, of our school.”

The superintendent said the district received approval from law enforcement to release a statement the following morning and that he took responsibility for the content: “The level of details in there was in the interest of being as transparent with the community as possible, thereby reducing the amount of misinformation that was possible or that could result.”

Why it matters: the board heard that the district and police treated the matter as a law-enforcement investigation and that district communications were limited while the police investigation was active. Bridal said the district’s safety protocols and “ever evolving response protocols” guided the actions and that school and police coordination was critical.

Board members and the superintendent credited staff and the school resource officers for prompt reporting and partnership. A board member said: “I think you handled it very well.” Bridal underscored the value of community reporting: “If you see something, say something.”

Public comment at the meeting expanded the discussion to technology risks. Resident Dan Heavens asked what the district is doing “in a proactive manner to address technological changes,” citing concerns such as students using artificial intelligence to create harmful images. Bridal said district attorneys have reviewed current policies and that the code of conduct covers some digital harms, but he acknowledged technology and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing and that policies must be revisited. He said the district is working with attorneys to determine whether existing rules adequately address new AI-related harms.

The board did not take formal action on new policy at the meeting. Bridal said staff and the board are pursuing training and consultation so administrators and teachers can enforce existing rules and update them as needed.

The superintendent invited further questions and emphasized transparency and safety as the district’s highest priorities.