Updated 10:30 a.m. Jan. 17

Great Falls Public Schools Superintendent said late Jan. 16 that the district was made aware of a threat made by email around 8:30 p.m.

Moore said in an email to media that the district and the Great Falls Police Department were made aware of the threat made by email sent to numerous individuals, including the administration and board members of school districts across the state.

Moore said the district is communicating with law enforcement at the state and local level.

“This threat is not believed to be credible, and Great Falls Public Schools plans to continue with our regular school schedule at this time. There will be an increased law enforcement presence in place in and around our schools that guides our response in the event of a threat,” Moore said.

He said that if parents choose to keep their children home from school on Jan. 17 to notify the school and the absence will be excused.

Moore said the district will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Cascade Public Schools District received the same threat, which they said was a bomb threat, and have canceled school and all school-related events and activities for Jan. 17.

“While the threat level appears to be low and not immediate, we are not taking any chances and want to exercise caution until the authorities can clear the building of any posed threat,” according to the Cascade schools website.

The district said they’d be in communication on their reopening plan and that they are working with authorities to ensure students and staff are safe to return to the building.

Cascade schools said Wednesday morning that they’ll resume normal operations on Jan. 18 and the athletic department will update Team Reach on all sports activities and practices.

Cascade said parents can call the school with questions or concerns. They likely won’t answer the phones on Wednesday but would answer emails or call back on Thursday.

Belt School said Wednesday morning that they were aware of the threats made against Montana schools, but were not aware of any Belt School staff, admin or trustees that received the threat.

“These messages were not targeted at Belt School or specific districts, however we are in communication with our partners in law enforcement. After discussions with law enforcement and searches of the facilities, this threat is not believed to be credible and Belt School plans to continue with our regular school schedule at this time,” the school posted.

Belt said there may be an increased law enforcement presence at their schools as they monitor the situation.