2 students arrested for uttering threats that shut down several Comox Valley high schools

Two students have been arrested for uttering threats that led to the shutdown of three high schools in the Comox Valley on Thursday. 

Police say the students, who haven't been identified, were released into the care of their parents.

Classes were cancelled at Mark R. Isfeld, G.P. Vanier and Highland secondary schools, after the RCMP contacted district officials warning of the threat. 

The RCMP hasn't released any details about what the students were threatening to do.

The school district says all schools will be open tomorrow.

All provincial secondary school exams scheduled for Thursday will be administered Friday.

• Read the full SD71 statement on the reopening of schools here

"We have a system in place to deal with matters such as this. This incident was able to show that the system works," said Const. Rob Gardner with the Comox Valley RCMP. 

The closure impacted approximately 3,000 students and staff in the district.

Earlier, a statement from School District 71 said RCMP told staff "there are indications one of its secondary schools is not safe" around 6 a.m. PT and began notifying families around 7 a.m. PT.

It said the decision to close was based on "a thorough investigation" with police and staff. 

All elementary schools in the district were in "hold and secure," which means all entrance doors were locked and no one was allowed in or out of the building aside from law enforcement. It is used in response to security threats or criminal activity outside the school.

"The safety of our students and staff, and the safety of parents and families comes first," the notice said. "Whenever there is any evidence that indicate otherwise, we will act fast and make decision quickly to ensure no one is put in harm's way.

• Read the full SD71 statement here

"Anytime the RCMP receives information like this, it's taken very seriously and will be investigated until deemed not credible," Const. Rob Gardner said just before 11 a.m. PT.

Miracle Beach, Denman and Hornby Island schools were not affected by the closures.

With files from Emily Brass