“I think we all have to keep in mind a threat against one student, no matter what the ethnicity, is a threat against all of our students and a threat against our teachers and our community,” she said.

Charlottesville Police Chief RaShall Brackney said Thursday afternoon that investigators were working to identify the source of the original post and were obtaining search warrants.

“What we can say is that the majority of the sites will cooperate with us knowing that there is an outstanding threat,” she said.

Atkins said the school division is collaborating with Charlottesville police on the investigation and safety decisions.

“When our doors open, we want to make sure that we have environments that feel healthy and feel safe,” she said.

In the announcement about Friday’s closure, the school system provided resources for parents on how to talk to their children about why schools are closed, including a guide on how to help them feel safe during uncertain times.

In deciding to close Thursday and Friday, Atkins said the school division considered the mental health and well-being of staff members and students as well.