Rumors about a threat at the elementary school in the Chilton Independent School District are most likely false according to school officials.
News Channel 25 received several calls and emails Thursday from parents about the issue. They said they had heard that a student or students brought a weapon, and a list of people to kill, to one of the schools. Parents told News Channel 25 that they had heard nothing about the threat, and were upset.
The Chilton ISD Superintendent of Schools Brandon K. Hubbard wrote in a statement sent to News Channel 25 Friday that the district did let parents know about the allegation via the Blackboard communication system. He said campus administration looked into it and is certain there was no weapon on the campus and that students were never in danger. He did, however, say the investigation was on-going.
Hubbard went on to write that the incident is not only a reminder of how much rumors, especially on social media, can spread, but also a moment to look at the quality of communication between the school district and parents.
"Unfortunately, the proliferation and occasional misrepresentation of information via social media often garners more attention and reaction from the general public," Hubbard wrote. "Though I am confident that campus administration’s handling of the situation was thorough and appropriate, the Chilton ISD will take this opportunity to engage in reflective dialogue regarding our response protocol to these types of situations. It is our goal to continuously improve any and all practices that impact students’ safety and well-being.”
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