Bomb threats send Albany schools into lockout

ALBANY – Bomb threats sent Albany schools into lockout on Thursday morning.

Police say they got a tip about bombs at Green Tech, KIPP Albany Community Charter Middle School, KIPP Elementary School and Hackett Middle School at around 8:50 a.m. All four schools were put in lockout and swept. However, police found nothing.

The Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST) was also placed on lockout as a precaution, according to Albany City School District, Director of Communications and Operations, Rob Lesko. TOAST was not specifically identified in the bomb threat call to the Albany PD.

Lesko said Hackett Middle School and TOAST resumed its regular procedures after being on lockout for approximately an hour until police gave the all clear.

"Police notified us immediately and, following our established safety procedures, schools went into lockdown," said KIPP Albany’s Executive Director Stephanie Valle. "Local police, along with K9 units, cleared both schools following a thorough investigation. All students and staff are safe. At KIPP, school safety is our highest priority."

NewsChannel 13 also reached out to Green Tech.