CCISD superintendent responds to false school threats

Following the reports of possible threats against Travis Middle School and a threat via social media post against Calhoun High School on Oct. 2 and 3, Calhoun County Independent School District (CCISD) Superintendent Evan Cardwell spoke about the issue of students making false threats.

Both the rumors surrounding a potential threat and the social media threat were investigated by CCISD Police Department (CCISDPD), which reported the rumored threat as non-substantial and later found the social media threat non-credible and arrested the student behind the post, Cardwell said. 

“We’ve turned the incident over to CCISDPD and our law enforcement looked into it, investigated it, and found the person responsible. They are currently in police custody,” Cardwell said. “I am very glad that our law enforcement was able to find out who was responsible and hold them accountable. As always, our student’s safety is our top priority.”

The reports come on the heels of the Sept. 4 shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, GA, where a student killed two other students and two teachers. Reported threats against schools have increased across the U.S. after the attack, according to Cardwell.

“It’s a nation and statewide concern that has now become a local concern,” Cardwell said. “Again, we have our officers actively patrolling the hallways; but we’ve also got to actively partner with our parents, our community and our students. We want to educate our students on the severity of making threats. If they need any kind of social or emotional help, we want them to seek them out. We are also trying to implement interventions for students that feel the need to reach out and talk. We want to use every resource available to eliminate these concerns.”

In response to the false threats, Cardwell stated the district has made efforts to increase the number of officers employed by the district’s police department, as well as increase patrols. Cardwell also said that the school district has increased its efforts to raise awareness about the consequences of making false threats.

“We’ve been trying to reach out to parents and speak about the severity and the danger of this. We’ve asked parents to help us out by talking to their kiddos about this and remind them that this isn’t an attention thing or a joking matter,” Cardwell said. “An identified threat would result in immediate removal; it could be juvenile justice placement or expulsion or placement in alternative learning locations. It could be a whole series of consequences for those who make these threats depending on the severity.”

However, he continued to ask parents and students to remain vigilant and report any perceived threats against students or faculty. He also spoke directly to parents, saying that he hopes to reassure them of their children’s safety.

“We want to assure parents that your child’s safety is of the utmost importance. We have a growing police force, filled with very capable and talented officers. We’re continuing to catch these things before they’re happening and making sure our investigations are thorough. We’re doing everything we can to keep your children safe,” Cardwell said. “I feel for parents; I’m involved with the youth leagues in this community, and we attend a lot of events. My wife works for the district, and we’re very invested ourselves, and we understand how you feel. I want to assure them that we’re going to take care of your kids.”  

The superintendent did not provide further information regarding the student who was arrested in this case.

Reports of threats made against school property, faculty or students can be reported by calling schools or law enforcement directly or by filing a report at calcoisd.org.