Greeneville City Schools Press Release
Superintendents from Northeast Tennessee have released a joint statement following school threats made about two weeks ago in several states. The statement is below:
In recent weeks, schools throughout our region have experienced a notable increase in reported threats to school safety. This appears to be part of a trend of similar, non-credible posts that have been circulating in communities across the country.
We encourage our students, staff, and families to speak up if they see or hear anything that could represent a potential safety threat. However, we ask that they use the appropriate channels to report these issues. These include:
- Contacting a school administrator, teacher, or other school personnel.
- Using school system specific reporting tools (contact local school district for details)
- Using Tennessee’s statewide reporting app, SafeTN safety reporting app.
- Contacting local law enforcement (non-emergency number)
- Calling 911 (in an emergency situation).
Hoax threats can be highly disruptive to teaching and learning, while causing a great deal of stress and anxiety. We are asking for the help of our students, staff, families, and community members by not sharing rumors or posts referencing unsubstantiated threats via social media. Doing so only causes more confusion and misinformation to spread, which can make it difficult for law enforcement officials to investigate situations in a timely manner.
We all have a role to play in maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming learning environment. Please report—rather than repost—any school safety concerns.
We thank the members of our respective communities for your support of our schools and commitment to the safety of the students under our care.
David McClain: Greene County Schools, Steve Starnes: Greeneville City Schools, Dr. Steve Barnett: Johnson City Schools, Dr. Jerry Boyd: Washington County Schools, Arnie Bunch: Hamblen County Schools, Dr. Brandon Carpenter: Carter County Schools, Chuck Carter: Sullivan County Schools, John English: Unicoi County Schools, Dr. Christopher Hampton: Kingsport City Schools, Matt Hixon: Hawkins County Schools, Edwin Jarangin: Rogersville City School, Manney Moore: Cocke County Schools, Charlotte Mullins: Hancock County Schools, Dr. Justin Norton: Newport City School, Dr. Mischelle Simcox: Johnson County Schools, Dr. Annette Tudor: Bristol City Schools, Richard VanHuss: Elizabethton City Schools.
