Parent raises classroom safety concern after student threat; board and superintendent say they will follow up

A Moscow parent used the May 28 public‑comment period to raise concerns about a reported threat to classmates at Lena Whitmore Elementary and asked what the district would do to protect students.

Luke Ivers, who said his daughter is in kindergarten at Lena Whitmore, told the board a classmate allegedly threatened to kill other children and that the comment occurred soon after his daughter’s class experienced the death of a peer. Ivers said the timing and the child’s behavior had been traumatic for pupils and raised questions about whether the district enforces a zero‑tolerance approach.

Ivers said he had volunteered in the classroom and described other instances of violent behavior by the same child, including attempts to get back into the classroom and physical incidents in hallways. He asked whether the district would remove a child who presents that level of danger.

Superintendent Sean Rice acknowledged the comment and said he has already met with the family and with other parents raising concerns; Rice said administrators would continue to work on the issue and follow up with the family and staff. Rice and the board did not provide specific disciplinary outcomes in public comment because the district follows federal and state procedures for student discipline and privacy.

The board suggested administrators respond directly to the parent and reiterated that policies and statutes guide special‑education, discipline and safety responses. Rice offered to continue the conversation privately to avoid naming students or disclosing sensitive information in public while ensuring the family and school receive appropriate follow up.

No formal board action was taken during the meeting; the public comment prompted superintendent follow up and a commitment to work with school staff and the family to address safety and support needs.