Superintendents from Northeast Tennessee Release Statement Concerning Responsible Reporting of Potential School Threats

Superintendents from Northeast Tennessee Release Statement Concerning Responsible Reporting of Potential School Threats

Superintendents from Northeast Tennessee have released the following joint statement:

In recent weeks, schools throughout our region have experienced a notable increase in reported threats to school safety. This appears to be part of a trend of similar, non-credible posts that have been circulating in communities across the country.

We encourage our students, staff, and families to speak up if they see or hear anything that could represent a potential safety threat. However, we ask that they use the appropriate channels to report these issues. 

We encourage our students, staff, and families to speak up if they see or hear anything that could represent a potential safety threat. However, we ask that they use the appropriate channels to report these issues. These include:

● Contacting a school administrator, teacher, or other school personnel.
● Using school system specific reporting tools (contact local school district for details)
● Using Tennessee’s statewide reporting app, SafeTN safety reporting app.
● Contacting local law enforcement (non-emergency number)
● Calling 911 (in an emergency situation).

Hoax threats can be highly disruptive to teaching and learning, while causing a great deal of stress and anxiety. We are asking for the help of our students, staff, families, and community members by not sharing rumors or posts referencing unsubstantiated threats via social media. Doing so only causes more confusion and misinformation to spread, which can make it difficult for law enforcement officials to investigate situations in a timely manner.

We all have a role to play in maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming learning environment. Please report—rather than repost—any school safety concerns.

We thank the members of our respective communities for your support of our schools and commitment to the safety of the students under our care.

Dr. Steve Barnett
Johnson City Schools

Dr. Jerry Boyd
Washington County Schools

Arnie Bunch
Hamblen County Schools

Dr. Brandon Carpenter
Carter County Schools

Chuck Carter
Sullivan County Schools

John English
Unicoi County Schools

Dr. Christopher Hampton
Kingsport City Schools

Matt Hixon
Hawkins County Schools

Edwin Jarangin
Rogersville City School

David McClain
Greene County Schools

Manney Moore
Cocke County Schools

Charlotte Mullins
Hancock County Schools

Dr. Justin Norton
Newport City School

Dr. Mischelle Simcox
Johnson County Schools

Steve Starnes
Greeneville City Schools

Dr. Annette Tudor
Bristol City Schools

Richard VanHuss
Elizabethton City Schools