SEARCY, Ark. — Searcy School District campuses will have an increased police presence after school officials and authorities learned of a potential threat of violence.
Superintendent Bobby Hart said families can keep their children at home with no penalty on Sept. 16 while Searcy police investigate the incident.
"A safe and secure learning environment is our top priority," Hart said. "To be proactive, we have an increased police presence at our campuses, but as parents, it's your right to keep your child at home without penalty for missing school."
Since it's an active investigation, authorities will not release details regarding the potential threat of violence.
"To perform the most thorough investigations, we are unable to provide confidential details to the public," Hart said. "In the spirit of transparency, we want to make sure our families are informed of these threats."
Threats of violence against schools are felony acts, and Hart said whoever is found to be responsible for the threat will be held accountable.
"We are working diligently to identify suspects," Hart said. "Once suspects are found to be responsible, appropriate school discipline policy will be enacted, and the suspect will be turned over to law enforcement and prosecuted."
Hart encouraged parents to talk with their children about the seriousness of making a school threat.
"It's crucial that we all work together to ensure our children are aware of the gravity of these acts and that we talk with them about the importance of their words and actions," Hart said. "We also ask our families to be mindful that if your child is aware of a threat and informs you, you encourage him or her to report it immediately or that you report it."
Additionally, Hart recommended parents keep an eye on their children's social media and adequately store firearms.
Click here to watch Hart's entire message.
