Threat Reported At Andover High School Deemed Not Credible

ANDOVER, MA — Police responded to Andover High School on Tuesday after a swatting call reporting a threat, according to a statement from the district.

The threat, which originated from California, was deemed to be not credible. Many other schools across the country have received similar threats, the district said.

The school briefly entered a "hold" status to allow police to conduct a walkthrough of the building as a precautionary measure.

All students and staff are safe, and classes are continuing as normal.

The full statement from interim Superintendent Keith Taverna is below:

APS families and staff,

Early this morning, Andover Public Schools received a voicemail containing a threat directed toward Andover High School for later in the school day. The call originated from California and closely resembled a number of recent “swatting” incidents affecting school districts across the country.

The message was immediately reported to the Andover Police Department and was quickly determined to be non-credible. Out of an abundance of caution, Andover High School briefly entered a “hold” status to allow police to conduct a precautionary walkthrough of the building.

All students and staff are safe, and classes continue as normal throughout the day. The Andover Police Department will maintain an enhanced presence at the high school as a precaution.

We are grateful to the Andover Police Department for their prompt response and continued support.

Keith Taverna

Interim Superintendent