School Superintendents Speak Out On Recent School Threats

School Superintendents from the northeast Tennessee area are now commenting on a recent rash of school threats. The superitendents from seventeen school systems put out a statement on Tuesday saying that the recent increase in school threats appears to be part of a trend of similar, non-credible posts that have been circulating in communities across the country. They point out that “hoax threats can be highly disruptive to teaching and learning, while causing a great deal of stress and anxiety.” The superintendents are asking students, staff, and members of the communities to not share rumors or posts referencing unsubstantiated threats made via social media, saying doing so can cause more confusion and misinformation to spread, making it difficult for law enforcement officials to investigate these threats in a timely manner.

They ask that students and staff speak up if they hear something but do so by contacting a school official, or the school system. The state reporting app, SafeTN can also be used as well as calling local law enforcement. The school superintendents signing the letter include Newport Director of Schools, Dr. Justin Norton and Manney Moore the Director of Schools for Cocke County. Also signing were directors of Hamblen County and Greeneville City schools.

Recently law enforcement in Cocke County investigated six school threats that turned out to be a hoax. Below is the full text of letter:

Superintendents from Northeast Tennessee Release Statement
Concerning Responsible Reporting of Potential School Threats
Superintendents from Northeast Tennessee have released the following joint statement:
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.
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
David McClain
Greene County Schools
Manney Moore
Cocke County Schools
Charlotte Mullins
Hancock County Schools
Dr. Justin Norton
Newport City School
Dr. Mischelle Simcox
Johnson County Schools
Steve Starnes
Greeneville City Schools
Dr. Annette Tudor
Bristol City Schools
Richard VanHuss
Elizabethton City Schools