Licking R-8 School District cancels classes Monday due to bomb threat

LICKING, Mo. (Edited News Release/KY3) - The Licking R-8 School District said that all district buildings will be closed on Monday following a bomb threat.

According to the district, officials were notified Saturday by the FBI and local law enforcement of a threat involving the district. The information received included specific timing that coincided with the upcoming school day on Monday.

District officials initiated a response with law enforcement to assess the threat and search district buildings. Given the timing of the threat, the district decided Saturday evening to cancel classes Monday out of an abundance of caution.

The Licking Police Department, the Texas County Sheriff’s Department, and a Fort Leonard Wood EOD team responded to assist with the investigation and clearing of district buildings. The district said Sunday that the search has been completed, and no bomb was found.

“The district is taking this additional precaution to help protect the safety of our students, staff, and school community,” the district said Sunday.

District administration said that all staff should remain off campus through Monday afternoon as they finalize their return Tuesday.

Licking Police Chief Pat Burton said that nothing suspicious was discovered following the search of district buildings, and all law enforcement personnel have cleared the scene.

Chief Burton said that charges are being sought in connection with the incident and the investigation remains ongoing.

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