UPDATE: 7:15 p.m.:
AHPS announced Tuesday night that schools will reopen on Wednesday for all students and staff.
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The school released the following statement:
After close consultation with law enforcement, AHPS officials have confirmed that it is safe to resume normal operations. Below is a joint statement from AHPS Superintendent Kim Halterman and Alleghany County Sheriff Kyle Moore:
“After thorough discussion and careful consideration, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools will reopen tomorrow, Wednesday, October 22, 2025. We want to assure you that the recent incident is being fully investigated, and we are confident in the safety of all students and staff.
“We understand your concern – many of us also have children and grandchildren in these schools. Please know this decision was not made lightly. Our priority remains the well-being of everyone in our school community, and we are committed to transparency and safety.
“While details are limited due to the ongoing investigation and there are no arrests at this time, we are taking this matter seriously and appreciate your patience. Public announcements have been made to keep you informed and explain our actions.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we work together to restore normalcy.”
Alleghany Highlands Public Schools
UPDATE 12:40 p.m.:
On Oct. 20 around 11 p.m., the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office was alerted by the FBI about a tip from an electronic device in the Alleghany Highlands concerning a local school.
The sheriff’s office worked with the Virginia State Police high-tech crimes unit to trace an IP address linked to the tip. Deputies confronted and took the individual into custody under an Emergency Custody Order after an interview.
Sheriff Kyle M. Moore said the person is not a student or employee of any Alleghany Highlands Public School and is currently under a Temporary Detention Order for evaluation.
Law enforcement has been in contact with the school system throughout the incident. No students or staff were harmed.
The Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office says that any and all matters concerning the safety of students and faculty will be investigated to the furthest extent of the law.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office at 540-965-1770.
Alleghany Highlands Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday due to a safety threat it received overnight, according to school officials.
Out of an abundance of caution, all division buildings will be closed to students and staff as law enforcement investigates.
The school district stated that safety is its highest priority: “We understand that unexpected closures can cause disruptions for families and staff, and we appreciate their understanding as we take necessary steps to ensure everyone’s safety.”
We will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.