AMHERST — Amherst Exempted Village Schools confirmed Thursday that bomb threats were reported involving Marion L. Steele High School and Walter G. Nord School, prompting evacuations, lockdowns and a large law enforcement response across the district.

District officials said all school buildings were initially placed on a Level 1 lockdown while Amherst Police and the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office investigated the threats.

Steele and Nord students were evacuated to safe locations under the supervision of administrators and staff while perimeter and building sweeps were conducted.

According to updates shared by the district, all students and staff were accounted for and safe throughout the incident.

Police later completed their sweep of Marion L. Steele High School and cleared the building of any threat, according to Amherst Exempted Village Schools.

Steele students were then dismissed for the day. Student drivers were permitted to leave campus, while students unable to leave immediately were allowed to remain at the school until picked up by a parent, guardian or approved emergency contact.

District officials said bus routes would continue as scheduled at normal dismissal time for students needing transportation home.

AJH and Powers Elementary were also temporarily placed under lockdown precautions during the investigation before later resuming normal procedures. District officials said students at those schools were able to continue classes and lunch operations while authorities worked the scene.

“The Amherst Police Department and the Lorain County Sheriff’s Department are performing perimeter and building sweeps to determine whether the threat can be substantiated,” the district said in an earlier update to families.

Scanner traffic and eyewitness reports indicated a significant police presence near the schools throughout the morning, including assistance from the Lorain County Bomb Squad. Some roads in the area were temporarily blocked as authorities secured the scene.

School officials emphasized that student safety remained the top priority during the response. District leaders also thanked students, staff, families and emergency personnel for their cooperation and patience throughout the situation.

At this time, no credible threat has been announced publicly by authorities. The investigation remains ongoing.

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