District calls remote learning day after Safe-to-Tell tip; deputies say no evidence of planned shooting

Hoehne Reorganized School District No. 3 — The district called a remote learning day on Sept. 19 after receiving a Safe-to-Tell report that included Snapchat screenshots alleging a possible school shooting.

Superintendent Joseph DeAngelis told the board Sept. 25 that sheriff deputies investigated and interviewed students. Because the investigation was still in progress at about 9:00 p.m. on Sept. 19, administration decided to hold a remote learning day until law enforcement could provide more information. DeAngelis reported that no evidence of a planned school shooting was found.

Principal Yvonne Weining told the board that staff used IXL during the remote learning day to monitor student work and that the district is using targeted interventions to raise academic performance; she reported 64% of students are currently performing in reading and writing.

At the board meeting members discussed broader school-safety options, including hiring a school resource officer and providing weapons-training for staff. The board directed administration to consult with the sheriff's office and requested that a deputy stop by the school once or twice daily as an interim measure.

The board also discussed administrative follow-ups, including awaiting the written asbestos-inspection report and gathering information from superintendent-search firms (CASE, which recommended McPherson, and Coaching for the Next Level). The district will continue investigating safety options and expected to bring more detailed proposals back to the board for consideration.

The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.