Schools across our state and nation have been disrupted this week by threats of violence. Reports indicate that the source of what fortunately has been unfounded threats, has come from out-of-state perpetrators who obviously care less about the hardship their pranks cause.
I was pleased to see that our school officials are not taking this matter lightly as is outlined in a front page article in this issue. In fact, they have been pro-active. When this week’s incidents occurred law enforcement was called into action. Their presence was quick and strong.
That’s not all… beginning this school year two former police officers are armed in defense of our students and staff. Superintendent of Schools Donna Burge-Tetrick spearheaded the efforts after she realized that other methods were not going to be available. Braxton along with Kanawha County are the only two in the state to utilize retired police officers in this new capacity. I think it’s brilliant. I perdict this will be the model for the entire state. Professionals who know how to safely use deadly weapons is by far the best way to have an armed deterrent in our schools.
In addition… the Board of Education has approved and will be installing an app that allows real-time communications between staff, law enforcement, first responders and students in a time of need. Having worked with emergency services for nearly 50 years, I know how valuable this new tool can be.
I also commend Dr. Burge-Tetrick for her initiative of keeping the public informed. She has not hesitated to put out as much information as she is allowed when it comes to these reports. She has also been very cooperative with our newspapers. She never dodges calls and is straight forward with her response to our questions. It is good to have a superintendent that truly means it when they say that they are going to be transparent in their actions.
Plus… the Superintendent and the Prosecuting Attorney are taking the matter very seriously. It would be a shame if some young person ruined their life trying to be funny or impress their friends by saying something stupid when it comes to threatening students, teachers or educational facilities.
Not only is it stupid… it can land the young person in jail. And… don’t think just because you are a juvenile you will get out of it. On top of that, parents and guardians of individuals that commit these offenses can be held criminally libel. This is a serious matter… make sure you think about what you are about to say… it’s not always funny!