District launches 'No Joke' campaign and PSAs to curb false threat reports

District safety staff presented a new campaign on Dec. 10 aimed at reducing false threat reports and improving reporting literacy among parents and students.

Campaign elements and partners: Safety staff Dahlianna Goins and Alfredo Vasquez described a multi-part effort that includes a superintendent’s letter, multilingual campaign posters, and three public-service announcement videos produced in partnership with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Key West Police Department. PSAs feature Superintendent Teresa Axford, Sheriff Rick Ramsey and Key West Police Chief Sean Brandenburg describing how to report suspicious activity (anonymous tip tools, FortifyFL) and warning about severe consequences for false reports.

Legal consequences and guidance: Presenters said submitting a false report involving threats or weapons can be a second-degree felony and will be investigated. The PSAs advise families to report suspicious activity to trusted adults or through the district’s anonymous reporting tools and to avoid reposting unverified threat claims on social media.

Board reaction and next steps: Board members praised staff for meeting a state deadline and producing clear materials during a difficult period (storms impacted timelines). Members asked whether false-report consequences would appear on permanent records; staff said the campaign materials emphasize criminal and administrative consequences and will be distributed via district and social-media channels and the parent portal.

Distribution: Staff said the campaign materials have been pushed through district websites, social media and the parent portal, and that they will circulate the PSAs and posters in multiple languages to reach families across the Keys.