Resolution to Threat from 1-3-2022

Today we have been able to resolve the circumstances from the January 3rd incident where it was reported to school administrators that someone had seen a “threat” on social media.  Thank you to local law enforcement (LCSO), and their numerous other partners, for working with the district diligently to resolve this.  As you may recall, due to receiving this information in the early evening hours of January 3rd, and an inability to gather enough information to solve the issue that night, the decision was made to cancel school for EHS and FRMS on January 4th.  By the end of the day on the 4th we determined this was not a credible threat and were confident enough in the circumstances surrounding this issue to return to school the following day.  Since that time, I, along with other District staff and law enforcement, have spent time on this issue each and every day.  It is one we take seriously.

Earlier this afternoon a student and her family met with law enforcement.  She was cooperative and honest about these circumstances and admitted to making up the fact that a threat had been seen on social media. She was cited in lieu of custody due to her honesty and cooperation and released to her parents.  Subsequently, I also met with the family.  Law enforcement will be pursuing appropriate charges based on these specific circumstances, and the school district will be doing the same through our discipline/due-process guidelines and policies.   The family has been very cooperative and in addition to appropriate consequences, we will be looking for ways to support this student and her family in the days and weeks to come.

A reminder to our students that threats made or reported for ANY reason will be taken seriously and they have significant ramifications and consequences to not only the perpetrator, but our entire community.  Thank you to our staff, students and parents for your patience as we worked through this.  The safety and security of all students is our first priority.  As always, if you hear or see anything that may indicate a safety issue, please report it right away.

Gary E. Carpenter, Jr., Superintendent, FRSD 28J