Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bath County superintendent urges public to call schools, not post unverified threat claims on social media
Summary
Superintendent advised residents to contact police or school officials about possible threats, described district threat-response steps and said social media posts about unverified threats cause unnecessary alarm and missed school days.
During superintendent and board communications, Speaker 2 warned that adult-led social media posts about alleged school threats often spread unverified claims and can cause unnecessary alarm. "If you think someone's really going to bring a gun to school, you don't post it on Facebook," Speaker 2 said, urging people to call the police or central office instead.
Speaker 2 outlined the district's response process when a threat is reported: background checks, mental-health and safety checks, and contact with parents when the issue is limited to a classroom or small group. He said when a threat is credible the district would cancel school and take steps to protect students. "If there is an issue, if you hear something, I simply ask that you call the school or the central office, and we will address it," Speaker 2 said.
The superintendent noted several past incidents that were assessed and found to be false or localized, and reminded the public that posting uncertain information can lead to parents keeping students home unnecessarily. He asked the community to verify information by contacting authorities directly before posting online.
The remarks concluded Speaker 2's report to the board; no formal action was taken on the comments themselves.
