Threats against school systems nationwide wreaked havoc on education last week, and Braxton County was not excluded. Several threats were made toward numerous schools across the state and nation last Tuesday. Some linked local schools to the possibility of violence. According to local, state and national law enforcement agencies those threats did not prove to be creditable.
“We take every threat seriously,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donna Burge-Tetrick. School officials and a large presence of local law enforcement were on site at schools all day Tuesday.
However, that is only the beginning of the numerous steps Braxton County officials are taking to combat the threat of violence against school children. Beginning this school year, two former State Police officers, now school system employees have been authorized to carry weapons on school grounds.
“In looking at measures to keep our children safe, we learned from the State Board of Education that Kanawha County was going to be using retired police officer in their schools.” explained the superintendent. “We contacted Kanawha County and patterned a policy after theirs which the board approved. Beginning this school year, we have two armed, former officers, in our school daily to be prepared to answer any threat against the safety of students and staff.” Only Braxton and Kanawha counties have enacted the program to date.
“We also work closely with the Prosecuting Attorney’s office in such matters that carry serious consequences for juveniles and adults that make terroristic type threats against our schools,” Burge-Terick added.
“Many students don’t realize how serious their actions may be,” says Andrew Shingler, retired State Police Seargent, now Criminal Justice instructor and School Safety Team member for the Braxton County Board of Education.
While a student might think their actions are “fun and innocent” they could lead to felony charges which, if convicted, could result in fines up to $25,000, one to three years in prison or both. Parents can also face criminal penalties.
Penalties and the seriousness of the offense will be outlined in a student assembly to be held later this week at both the high school and middle school. Dr. Burge-Tetrick and Prosecutor Dwayne Vandevender are organizing and will host the events.
These latest actions come on the heals of a second local threat that came to light Sunday evening. The Superintendent reacted as soon as the threat was reported. “We notified law enforcement and school officials. We have been working hard to keep the public informed so they will not have to rely on rumors or misinformation.” Burge-Tetrick posted the following statement on the school’s social media page September 15: “This evening, I received information on a threat circulating on social media regarding Braxton County Middle School. The matter is currently being investigated by the West Virginia State Police. The student making the threat has been identified and will NOT be in school until the investigation is completed. This threat was not directed toward the entire student body and is not associated with the threats that were circulating statewide last week. While I cannot comment on the discipline of a specific student, West Virginia Board of Education Policy 4373, which governs school discipline, includes threats as grounds for expulsion for up to one year. I will not tolerate such behavior and will take whatever steps are necessary to keep students safe.
“Armed security will be at Braxton County Middle School tomorrow.
“Parents, please remind your students that making threats is not a joke and can result in serious consequences, including criminal charges. Also, please encourage to students to report any threats that they see.”
The Board of Education approved, at the request of the Superintendent, the purchase of an app called Emergent 3. The app will be downloaded by school staff and local first responders to allow for real time communication between staff, administrators, and first responders during an emergency. It will include the ability to send texts, pictures, and video as well as house school safety plans, including school floor plans. It will enable staff to denote where they are so that first responders will be able to locate them in times of need. It will also enable school administrators to issue “silent” alerts and instructions, which would be crucial in the event of an active shooter.
“This is a serious matter that we intend on staying in front of,” concluded Dr. Burdge-Tetrick.