The interim superintendent for Clintondale Community Schools said the district is “exploring and evaluating” its options after cancelling Clintondale High School’s senior prom earlier this month because of a tip about a gun being brought to the event.
Kevin Knoblock, Clintondale Community Schools’ interim superintendent, said in a statement Friday that the district understands the cancellation has left many students and families with questions. The district plans to refund students’ tickets.
“Over the past several days, we have been actively exploring and evaluating all available options,” he said.
The prom, which was to be held June 2 at Blossom Heath Inn in St. Clair Shores, was abruptly cancelled just hours before it was to start after a tip was called in, indicating a student could have brought a firearm to it.
Knoblock said the tip that led to the cancellation remains under active investigation.
“Until the investigation determines otherwise, the information is considered credible and is being treated with the utmost seriousness,” he said. “The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community remain our highest priority.”
Knoblock said that because the district does not have a timeline for when the investigation will conclude, it has decided to move forward with refunding purchased prom tickets. Refunds will be issued by check and made payable to the student who purchased the ticket or tickets. The refund will reflect the full amount paid for the ticket or tickets. Seniors will receive direct communication about the refund process.
Knoblock said in a previous statement that approximately one hour before the event, the Michigan State Police and the OK2SAY hotline notified the district that they had received a tip indicating a student may be bringing a firearm to prom. The type of tip was categorized as a “Planned School Attack,” Knoblock said.
Clintondale school administrators and Clinton Township police discussed the situation. Knoblock said they “carefully considered” every option, “fully aware” of the disappointment the decision would cause for students and families.
“We recognize the significance of prom and understand the disappointment this situation has caused for our students and families,” Knoblock said in the Friday statement. “We appreciate the patience, understanding, and support of our community as we navigate this challenging and unusual circumstance while continuing to prioritize student safety.”
asnabes@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Clintondale Community Schools ‘exploring’ options, refunding tickets after canceled prom
Reporting by Anne Snabes, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Anne Snabes, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
