Father, son arrested + fired after terroristic threats @Edwards Middle School in Rockdale County

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—A father and son have been arrested in connection with terroristic threats that prompted a lockdown on Wednesday (Sept. 11) at Edwards Middle School, and now both men have been terminated from their employment at the school, officials said today.

No one at the school was harmed, officials said.

Paul Schwartz, a math teacher, is no longer an employee of Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS). Schwartz was employed as a math teacher at Edwards Middle from December 2023 to September 2024. Before that, he worked as a substitute teacher from January 2015-November 2023.

Paul Schwartz, Jr., the son, also is no longer affiliated with RCPS. He was employed as a contractor for ABM, a provider of building maintenance and janitorial services,  officials said.

RCPS officials said the lockdown was activated at the beginning of the school day on Wednesday. School officials notified parents of the situation via text messages, emails and robo calls.

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release today, Sept. 12:

“Amid an unannounced random security check conducted at Edwards Middle School, Rockdale County Sheriff’s Deputy observed suspicious behavior of a staff member and a contracted staff member at Edwards Middle School. The school was then placed on lockdown to protect the students and ensure their safety.

During our investigation, deputies discovered that Paul Schwartz, a staff member at Edwards Middle School, was in possession of two razor blade knives. He has been charged with two counts of bringing a weapon on school grounds. Additionally, Paul Schwartz, Jr., a contracted staff member at Edwards Middle School, was charged with making terroristic threats.”

“The safety, security, and well-being of our students, families, and staff continues as our top priority. We will always take threats of any kind seriously and take all necessary precautions. We continue to encourage our students, families, and staff to See or Hear Something, Say Something. We are thankful for our local law enforcement partners, our school resource officer, and our school safety division who responded quickly and stayed to conduct a thorough investigation.”

RCPS officials said the school day was resumed following the lockdown, although some parents picked up their children.

The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation, said Christine Nesbitt, Public Information Officer for the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office.