Superintendent Says KY Schools Threat Unsubstantiated
Superintendent Manny Caulk sent a letter to parents and guardians on Aug. 27 stating that FCPS has been advised of an unsubstantiated threat of violence at an unnamed school in Kentucky. He stated that the FBI has investigated the situation and found no evidence to suggest the threat is credible.
The post refers to a threat that occurred in a gaming chat room which was reported to FBI Little Rock from an individual outside of the US. Investigators say they have not been able to confirm the identity or location of the person who made the comment.
The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security released a statement that “we are aware of a Facebook post circulating about a possible incident at a school being planned for the 28th in Kentucky and the 29th in Arkansas.”
Superintendent Caulk said that the threat was very generalized. “If anything further develops from this report,” he said, “the KIFC will push out additional information as it becomes available.”
The message sent by the Superintendent acknowledged that threats–even unsubstantiated ones–can cause anxiety and concern for families, students and staff members, but he added that “the most important priority for the Fayette County Public Schools and we are committed to keeping our schools safe places to learn and work.”
Superintendents of other Kentucky school districts have issued similar statements.
“We want to be clear this is an unsubstantiated claim and we are releasing this information to our stakeholders out of an abundance of caution,” said Lincoln County Superintendent Michael Rowe.
Warren County Public Schools Superintendent Rob Clayton addressed the rumors on the district’s website. “Ensuring the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority and we will continue close communication with local law enforcement,” he said.
Over the past two years, Dunbar has transitioned to safety measures such as metal detectors and alarmed doors. FCPS policy states that all threats are investigated.
