Nutley High School student charged in security threat, won't return to school

A Nutley High School student was charged in a security threat that closed school for a day and started a debate over placing guards in the district's buildings, authorities announced on Friday.

Joseph Rafanello, 18, was charged with creating a false public alarm and taken to Essex County Jail, according to police. Superintendent Dr. Julie Glazer stated Rafanello will not return to school.

A video posted on Instagram depicting gun violence did not appear to pose an immediate danger to any school within the district, Nutley police said. However, it prompted a swift response from police and the Nutley school district canceled classes and after-school activities last Friday.

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"I want to commend those individuals who spoke up last week and alerted administration to a possible threat," Glazer said in a statement. "This was our process working. People saw something and said something, allowing for the swift, collaborative actions, which kept our schools and town secure."

Rafanello fully cooperated with authorities, according to Glazer.

When school reopens Monday after winter recess, there will be an increased police presence at each school.

"This is a proactive measure," the superintendent stated. "The police have been in each of our schools this week and have assured us that our buildings are secure and there is no reason to believe there is any further threat or cause for alarm."

The district will also change its visitor policy and monitor delivery schedules.

Nutley police warned against making threats against the schools.

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"We further want to reassure all parents and residents that we take all threats against the safety of our schools seriously and will fully investigate all threats until our schools are deemed safe," police stated.

The security threat investigation came only days after the Parkland, Florida school shooting that left 17 people dead.

Afterward, five Nutley parents asked the township and the school district to assign armed guards to the schools.

North Jersey schools, among others, dealt with various security threats in the wake of the Florida shooting, including some posted to social media.

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Mahwah's community and Mayor William Laforet were upset after a threat made by a Mahwah eighth-grader against a school earlier in the year was not made public soon enough.

Bloomfield's mayor called for better communication following an investigation of a threat, while New Milford schools increased police presence after its own threat. Wayne police also made an arrest after investigating a gun photo posted to Instagram.

"We recognize that parents, students and staff may have a variety of mixed feelings surrounding this situation," Glazer stated. "As we each deal with challenging situations differently, every feeling is valid."

Staff Writer Owen Proctor contributed to this report.

Email: jongsma@northjersey.com