Parents and other Albion community members heard directly from police and school officials for the first time since three students were arrested following a credible threat against Albion Middle School.

The Albion Middle School Auditorium was the stage for what the school administration hoped would be a conversation to help set parents’ minds at ease.

“When I first heard about it, I actually felt sick to my stomach just thinking about what could have happened. It’s scary, you know?” parent Sharon Sugar said.

Earlier this month, three students were arrested after another student tipped off a teacher to what was deemed a credible threat of violence against the school.

“I guess in today’s society it can happen anywhere. And I was just a little shocked," said Mike Pisano, also a parent.

The three students have been charged with felony conspiracy and will be tried as juveniles. All three are also currently suspended.

But many parents wanted to know if they could ever return, a question Superintendent Michael Bonnewell wasn’t ready to answer.

“Once the disciplinary process has run its course, then we will examine what we can and cannot share," Bonnewell said. "And I fully understand your desire to know, I fully understand. But we first must go through the process before I can identify for you those findings.”

Parents came concerned for their children’s safety.

“He’s a little nervous to go to school, and I’m nervous for him," said Jennifer Fernandex.

But District Attorney Joseph Cardone said while the students involved aren’t in custody, they must remain under constant supervision and adhere to multiple other court orders, like keeping off school property. 

“The process is taking place, and we feel very comfortable that this community and school system is not in danger from these three individuals,” Cardone said.

As for what’s next, officials said they will be working to put together a prevention team that will involve concerned parents and law enforcement, which the superintendent hopes becomes a model for other districts to follow.