file photo courtesy of Boyd Loving
April 7, 2025
RPS Community Members,
We are writing to provide follow-up information regarding the joint investigation conducted by the Ridgewood Public Schools and the Ridgewood Police Department into recent reports and rumors of potential school violence at Ridgewood High School. These rumors alleged that a student had developed a plan to commit a school shooting on Monday, April 7, and had circulated a so-called “kill list” identifying intended targets. The widespread dissemination of these claims—along with an image of the alleged list on social media—understandably caused public concern and prompted overnight action by school and law enforcement officials to ensure that it was safe to open schools today.
Once the safety of our schools had been verified, district administrators and RPD officials worked throughout the day in close coordination to investigate all related reports, rumors, and allegations.
Following a comprehensive investigation, we have determined that there is no factual basis for the claim that an RHS student planned or intended to commit an act of violence. The investigation further indicated that the list in question was not authored by the student named in the rumors. We have now confirmed that a different group of students has admitted to creating and distributing this list as a misguided prank. This action remains under investigation as a police matter and a school code of conduct matter.
The Ridgewood Public Schools and the Ridgewood Police Department take all aspects of school safety seriously. We regard the circulation of false information, the disruption of school operations, and any actions that cause public alarm as serious matters. While we are unable to share additional details due to confidentiality requirements, please be assured that appropriate accountability measures are being taken in accordance with school policy and the law.
To be clear, there is no evidence of any current or credible threat to Ridgewood High School or any other Ridgewood Public School. We are grateful to those who responsibly brought information forward and remind all members of our school community: if you see or hear something, say something. Open communication and shared vigilance are essential to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all.
If any community members are interested in discussing school security concerns further, please join Dr. Schwarz at the Superintendent Coffee on Wednesday, April 9, at 7:00pm.
Sincerely,
Dr. Mark Schwarz
Superintendent of Schools
Forest Ross Lyons
Chief of Police, Ridgewood Police Department
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James, why don’t you report about the fight recently between 2 freshman that was filmed in which a young girl was brutally attacked inside the school building.At least 1/2 the school as well as most RHS parents are aware of the dangers inside of that building. I am sure this Blog of yours would say that incident as well as this recent “misguided prank” are nothing burgers. Also, you seem to selectively edit yesterday’s police and superintendents comments leaving out the Superintendent’s description of the gender identity of the student who was the victim of that incident ( Them/They) . I am sure the Bergen Record, nj.com and New York Times will properly report the details, especially after today’s stabbing at Fort Lee High School and I can assure you the the real media will be shown all the comments that you either post yourself or allow others to post to align with your political agenda.
we let Chief Lyons speak for himself
What the heck are you going on about. James simply posted the letter from the super and police chief. You, whoever you are, are pathetic.
it is an open police investigation and an open school administrative investigation
The only appropriate action is EXPULSION.
In what other universe can you implicate an innocent student in a terror plot prompting a police response and then just brush it off as a prank?
The only joke here is RHS and RPD.
They published the “threat” on social media, so lawyer up and sue them all for libel.
Could not agree with you more. This is not a prank but perceived bullying as some concerned parents said on tonight’s livestreamed BOE meeting. After many repeated attempts to deflect and use confidentiality as a reason he could not answer the repeated questions, Schwarz mumbled the words…” THIS IS SIGNIFICANT…” as the public comments segment of tonight’s meeting concluded.
Expulsion is indeed a possibility as we understand that the “pranksters” are all seniors and more than likely some if not all of these offenders think their futures are secure with their in hand college acceptances. If this bullying had happened to my child, I would bypass the Town and BOE and directly sue the parents.
Hold up – a “they/them” had a fight at RHS? Anyone have the number to Bergen Catholic? I have an 8th grader. Are we still doing this?
This will be swept under the carpet with no punishment.
Poor Willard family, they find the son yet? What happened to fantasyland that we call Ridgewood? It’s falling apart… 😂👍🏿
They need to keep the image of the town clean. They’ll never report on the fight that happened a few weeks ago.. remember residence would kill their own to keep the glowing image of the borough of Ridgewood
Those responsible should be banned from PROM and graduation ceremonies.
sh$ty , irresponsible and lax parenting
your kids are little sh*ts because you suck
if the Marxist propaganda hasn’t effectively sterilized them hopefully the Covid vaccine has