What is the cost of a school threat? Officials say it's more than just a dollar amount

Several schools across Western Pennsylvania have been affected by threats.

>>RELATED: Second bomb threat in 2 weeks closes Fox Chapel Area HS

Since the beginning of this school year, Channel 11's Erin Clarke counted at least 18 threats made to local schools – and students missed more than two school days because of it.

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Below is a map of all the schools that have had threats so far this year:

Woodland Hills Superintendent James Harris said these threats impact hundreds, and even thousands, of people.

Although none have been credible, every single threat has to be taken seriously.

"It's extremely disruptive," said Harris. "You don't want to say we've had 12 false bomb threats this week, and then the 13th is real."

Schools close, police investigate, and the ripple effect is immense.

School districts, police and the community are hurt. On one hand, lost school days have to be made up, which forces the loss of holidays, shortening of spring break, or extension of the school year.

Also, threats like these draws a lot of resources away from law enforcement departments that are already thin-staffed.

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