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Lakewood Public Schools closed after threat

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 8:47 GMT by MLive
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Lakewood Public Schools Temporarily Closed After Threat

Lakewood Public Schools, a district that serves the eastern suburbs of Grand Rapids, announced today that all its campuses would remain closed for the remainder of the school day following a threat received by district officials. The incident, which began early in the morning, prompted school administrators to act swiftly in order to protect students, teachers, and staff.

The threat reportedly came in the form of a phone call made to the district’s central office. According to a statement released by Lakewood Superintendent Dr. Emily Thompson, the caller warned of a “potential security incident” that could occur within the district’s schools. The call was taken seriously, and the superintendent immediately convened the district’s Emergency Operations Team. The team, which includes representatives from the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD), the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), assessed the situation and decided to close all district schools for the day.

The district’s decision was communicated to parents and guardians via email and the official Lakewood Schools website. Parents were advised to keep their children at home until further notice and to monitor the district’s social media channels for updates. The Lakewood Schools website’s “School Closures” page was updated to explain that the closures were a precautionary measure and that the threat had not been verified. The page also provided a hotline number for parents to call if they had questions about their child’s safety or academic progress.

GRPD officers were dispatched to all Lakewood campuses to conduct thorough searches for potential threats. The police described the searches as “comprehensive, but routine” and reported that no suspicious objects or devices were found. The GRPD spokesperson, Officer Carlos Martinez, told reporters that the police were “on alert but did not detect any immediate danger.” The police also confirmed that the threat had not been substantiated by any evidence or intelligence.

The MDE’s Office of School Safety released a brief statement encouraging districts nationwide to remain vigilant. The office reiterated that school safety protocols—including controlled access points, emergency drills, and collaboration with local law enforcement—are essential for preventing violent incidents. The statement also highlighted the district’s recent efforts to install new security cameras and to upgrade door locks across all Lakewood schools.

MDHHS issued a health advisory that reiterated the importance of mental health support for students during times of crisis. The advisory encouraged parents to remain open to discussions about fears and anxieties that may arise following a threat. The department also provided resources for counselors and psychologists who might need additional training on crisis management.

In addition to the immediate response, the district announced that it would be reviewing its current safety protocols. Superintendent Thompson said, “While we have never experienced a violent incident on our campuses, we are constantly looking for ways to improve safety. Today’s threat has underscored the need to review our emergency response plans and ensure that we are prepared for any eventuality.”

The Lakewood Schools board of trustees convened an emergency meeting later in the afternoon to discuss the incident. During the meeting, board members voted unanimously to adopt a revised emergency plan that includes:

• Enhanced Screening: All visitors to district campuses will be required to show a valid photo ID and be screened by a trained security officer.
• Rapid Communication Protocols: A new system for real‑time alerts to parents, students, and staff will be implemented via text message and push notifications.
• Emergency Response Training: Teachers and administrators will receive mandatory training on crisis de‑escalation techniques and how to handle potential threats.
• Community Partnerships: The district will increase collaboration with local law enforcement and mental health agencies to conduct joint safety exercises.

The board also authorized a temporary funding allocation for additional security personnel and for the purchase of new safety equipment, such as portable metal detectors and blast‑proof glass.

While the district has not released details about the identity or motive of the individual who made the call, the Grand Rapids Police Department has said that it is conducting a full investigation. Officer Martinez emphasized that the police are “looking for all possible leads” and are treating the incident with the seriousness it deserves.

Parents and students have reacted with a mix of concern and relief. Lisa Nguyen, a mother of two children in the Lakewood district, expressed gratitude for the prompt action: “I’m glad the schools closed when they did. It’s scary when something like this happens, and I appreciate the district’s transparency.”

Other parents, however, have expressed frustration about the lack of information. “We want to know who made that call and why,” said Mark Reynolds, who has a son in the 5th grade. “The district needs to keep us in the loop.”

In the meantime, the district has scheduled a virtual town hall for Thursday evening to address community questions. The event will be hosted on the Lakewood Schools website and will feature the superintendent, a GRPD spokesperson, and a mental health professional.

As the investigation proceeds, Lakewood Public Schools remains committed to ensuring that its campuses remain safe places of learning. The district’s proactive stance and willingness to adjust policies in response to new threats signal a dedication to the wellbeing of students, staff, and the broader community.