Louisa Middle School on modified lockdown Sept. 12 due to school threat
By Roberta Cantrell
BSN Editor
Lawrence County Superintendent Katie H. Webb sent a message to parents Thursday, Sept. 12, after Louisa Middle School was on modified lockdown for hours.
The message was explaining the reason for the lockdown which according to a press release from the Louisa Police Department was due to a threatening message that was written on a bathroom wall, by what turned out to be a 12 year-old male student who was arrested and charged with third-degree terroristic threatening.
Police said LMS staff was alerted of the message around 9 a.m. and immediately placed students on modified classroom lockdown meaning students remained their class with doors locked while instruction continued under heightened alert.
Webb, said the threat did not target any specific students but as a precautionary measure the school implemented a modified schedule and were escorted by staff when needing to move to different areas of the building.
Webb was out of town at a meeting for superintendents, but left to return to Lawrence County as she said she could not stay away in good conscious with what was happening back here at the middle school.
“Law enforcement responded promptly and conducted a thorough investigation,” said Webb. They confirmed that neither students, nor staff were in any danger. The individual responsible for the threat has been identified and will face both school disciplinary actions and criminal charges.”
After ensuring the situation was under control the school did resume back to the normal afternoon schedule.
Kentucky State Police Post 14 Trooper Jerry Sparks released a statement issued a statement saying their troopers and detectives assisted in the school threats in the Post 14 area with school resource officers, Sheriff’s Offices and Police Departments when requested.
“KSP thoroughly investigates all reported threats of school violence regardless of context or intent,” said Goodall. “KSP collaborates with local law enforcement officers and school administration personnel to provide a safe environment for students to focus on furthering their education while in school.”
Both Pikeville and Paintsville school districts reported threats of violence by students that were investigated by law enforcement in the past week by students as well.
Kentucky Department of Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher issued a statement concerning the recent school threats across the region concerning the well-being of Kentucky students.
“There is no greater trust or responsibility that can be given to our school system than a parent or guardian saying that he or she trusts us with his or her child,” Fletcher stated. “While we are concerned about the amount of time our students are missing due to these hoaxes, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of the students and staff members that are in our schools every day across Kentucky. We ask our families to talk with their students about the very real and serious consequences that can happen if they call in a threat against another student or their school. A threat like this can result in a student facing suspension, expulsion and/or alternative placements, in addition to the consequences from our justice system.”
According to the Kentucky Revised Statute, threats of violence directed toward a school are first-degree Terroristic Threatening, a Class C Felony, a serious crime that can carry a punishment of up to 5-10 years imprisonment.
In her letter to the community, Webb encourages all members of the school community to remain vigilant and report any threats or suspicious activity to a staff member, law enforcement official or the S.T.O.P. tip line at 1-866-393-6659, immediately.