In a dramatic pre-dawn announcement, Montclair public schools were abruptly shuttered Monday morning due to what officials described as a “potential threat” to the district.
Interim Superintendent Damen G. Cooper broke the news to parents in a 5 a.m. email, revealing that the decision followed information received late Sunday night. While details remain murky, Cooper assured families that district officials are working closely with Montclair police to assess the situation.
“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” Cooper wrote. “Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to close all schools while we investigate further.”
Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the threat, but Montclair police confirmed there is “no immediate danger” to the community. Nevertheless, the closure has left residents on edge, with many parents scrambling to make last-minute childcare arrangements.
“I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Rachel Thomas, a mother of two elementary school students. “We don’t know what’s going on, and that makes it even scarier.”
Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville called the closure a “precautionary measure” and emphasized that the threat is localized to the township’s schools. Neighboring communities are not affected, she said, adding that law enforcement is taking every necessary step to ensure public safety.
“We understand this is unsettling, but we want to reassure everyone that we are taking this matter seriously,” Baskerville said.
The sudden closure has sparked a flurry of speculation among parents and community members, with some voicing frustration over the lack of transparency.
“We just want answers,” said Jason Millner, whose son is a junior at Montclair High School. “They’re keeping us in the dark.”
A range of theories circulated on social media with some suggesting that the closure could have been motivated by racially-charged violent threats made by one teacher against a Principal of one of the district’s elementary schools. Since such theories remain unverified, Crazy America is choosing at this time not to disclose the identities of those around whom the speculation has centered.
Local businesses near school campuses also reported a noticeable drop in foot traffic Monday morning, as the usually bustling town was eerily quiet.
The district has not provided a timeline for when schools might reopen, leaving parents and students in limbo as investigators continue their work. Updates are expected to be released later today.
For now, Montclair remains on high alert, with police patrols visibly increased around school properties. As the community waits for answers, one thing is clear: in this New Jersey suburb, Monday morning was anything but routine.