Two Chattooga County School students were arrested over the weekend in connection with threats made against Trion High School.  Despite the fact that the students have been arrested, Trion City Schools will be on a “soft lock down” today, according to school administration.

The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation after a school teacher notified a school resource officer about images seen on student’s phones of a person holding a rifle and had a few captions that had been added to the photo. One of the captions was “who next” and another caption was “Trion High School”.

Trion School Supt. Dr. Phil Williams said on Sunday that he met with Trion Police Chief David Gilliland and made the decision to temporarily operate under a “soft lock down” of Trion School buildings.  Additionally, there will be extra patrols and officers on hand at Trion Schools today.  A soft lock down typically consists of the following measures:

• Lock all exterior doors, lock and monitor main access door.
• Monitor movement of students, particularly between classes.
• Movement is limited to inside the building.
• Students and staff remain in building.
• Block visibility into classrooms from exterior windows and doors

Chattooga County School Supt. Michelle Heile issued a statement on Sunday morning saying she has “been in close communication with law enforcement and Dr. Phil Williams, the Superintendent of Trion City Schools”.  Supt. Heile added, “Our collaboration with them (Trion City Schools) is key as we work together to ensure the safety of both school systems”.

Chattooga County Commissioner Blake Elsberry said over the weekend that he sent a letter to both school systems saying the county would be willing to help with the costs of metal detectors in local schools, as the county budget allows.  In the letter to both school systems Commissioner Elsberry stated, “I know the safety of our schools is a top priority for you, and I want you to know that I feel the same way and I am willing to help if need be”.