Over the weekend, Director of Schools Dr. Grant Swallows issued a statement reassuring families and encouraging students to speak up when they feel their safety is threatened. 

Last Monday, a loaded firearm was found in a Hickory Creek Elementary School student’s backpack. The student’s mother, Kristen Holland, reportedly put the firearm in the backpack and was charged with reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. Last Thursday, a Warren County Middle School student was arrested after allegedly making threats against the school on social media. After an investigation, another student was arrested the following day for the same crime. Both students were charged with filing a false report and making threats of mass violence on school property. 

The eventful week prompted Swallows to reach out to the Warren County Schools families.

“I felt it was necessary to reach out and attempt to reassure all of our families after the events of the past week in a couple of our schools,” said Swallows. “First, I want to thank all our school employees, as well as law enforcement officials for working extremely hard to ensure safety throughout the week. Every situation has been thoroughly investigated and handled accordingly.”

He says they work very hard to putting procedures in place that will identify and remove any threats to the students and staff. Swallows hopes to never encounter situations like this again, but moving forward he asks for the families’ help in these situations. 

“Please talk with your student and help them understand the importance of reporting any incident where they feel like their own safety is threatened. You child’s teacher, principal or SRO will be actively involved in reporting these incidents and helping resolve them,” said Swallows.  

Swallows says it is important to stress to students that the reports should relate to things they have seen or heard firsthand to eliminate misinformation. 

“Often, the spread of misinformation by others that are not involved makes our job much more difficult in determining the true facts and ensuring safety for all. Next, please talk to your child about the importance of what they say, write, send electronically or post to social media. Words matter. Things that are said matter. Our schools must take any threatening language very seriously,” said Swallows. 

Sheriff Jackie Matheny Jr. also issued a statement in the release saying they will continue to err on the side of caution when it comes to safety in school.

“I urge parents and guardians of children who attend school to talk with them about the consequences of making threats of violence by any means of communication. My department will investigate these threats and arrests will be made,” said Matheny. 

Swallows ended his statement by thanking the families for their patience last week and said he wants students to feel safe at school. 

“Personally, I want you to know that I want all of our children to feel safe at school. That will not happen if we are not able to trust each other and work together for the greater good of our students. We welcome your partnership and hope to put the events of last week behind us,” said Swallows.