One of the most important functions of Daviess County Public Schools is to provide the safest learning environment possible for all of our students and staff members.
Unfortunately, in recent years, Kentucky schools have experienced an escalation of terroristic threats being made by students with intent to do harm either to other students or school staff members. In many of those cases, school officials and law enforcement officials were forced to close schools to investigate the threats. In other cases, school attendance declined for days after the threat was made.
Terroristic Threatening in the second degree is defined in state law (KRS 508.078)
(1) A person is guilty of terroristic threatening in the second degree when, other than as provided in KRS 508.075, he or she intentionally:
b) Makes false statements by any means, including by electronic communication, for the purpose of:
1. Causing evacuation of a school building, school property, or school-sanctioned activity;
2. Causing cancellation of school classes or school-sanctioned activity; or
3. Creating fear of serious bodily harm among students, parents, or school personnel
Such threats to our students and school staff are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. As a result, the purpose of this notice is to inform all parents and guardians that Daviess County Public Schools will pursue immediate legal charges for felony terroristic threatening in the second degree, to the absolute fullest extent of the law, against anyone who makes such threats, including students. Moreover, we will advocate to our highest ability that the prosecution of these individuals be swift, and their punishment be severe.
Our approach to eliminating terroristic threatening in our schools is strong and unwavering. As a result, it is imperative that you discuss this critically important matter with your student as soon as possible. School and law enforcement officials are determined to stop these willful acts of terrorism being made toward our students. Please do your part to ensure that your student never becomes a party to such an offense by educating them on the seriousness of its consequences.
Together, we can prevent this unnecessary, dangerous, and disruptive crime from victimizing our schools. Through this collaborative effort, we can focus on putting Kids First and providing a safe learning environment.