Good Afternoon Bunker Hill 8 Families –
I would like to provide families with an update regarding last night’s and this morning's school safety response:
First, I would be remiss if I didn’t express my gratitude to those who helped ensure our response was appropriate and timely. Our faculty, staff, and principals did an outstanding job today ensuring that school occurred safely. Every entrance was secured, and as you probably noticed, there was a heavy law enforcement presence at both schools. We are fortunate in Bunker Hill to have such dedicated first responders, and the cooperation from Bunker Hill Police Department, the City of Bunker Hill, and the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office was extremely thorough and professional. I would also like to thank the many students and parents who shared information with us, allowing us to properly react to the situation.
Next, I would like to provide a few additional details. However, because this situation deals with a minor, and also because it involves student privacy, the District cannot and will not publicly comment on details regarding specific discipline. However, here is what we can share:
-- Last evening, our District Threat Assessment team met regarding an allegedly threatening statement shared via Snapchat audio as well as screenshots taken from social media
-- After meeting at approximately 4:00 PM, the Threat Assessment Team determined that it warranted referral as a threat to local law enforcement officials.
-- Bunker Hill Police Department informed us at approximately 7:35 PM that the threat had been investigated, and that while further investigation was required, the school district was not in danger from a credible threat the following day
Finally, I would like to inform parents that for the foreseeable future, you can expect to see an increased police presence at both schools. Safety protocols will be reviewed at each building. The District will conduct an internal investigation in order to determine appropriate school discipline in accordance with Board Policy and Student Handbooks. In the meantime, the District understands that these events can cause or increase anxiety, so any parent that wishes for their child to receive counseling is encouraged to contact your child’s building principal.
In the meantime, I encourage you to talk to your children about school safety, appropriate and inappropriate behaviors, expectations, and healthy practices as well as personal communication. Any type of threat toward a school, school personnel, and students is a serious matter and will be handled accordingly either by school discipline (including suspension and/or expulsion) or charges filed by law enforcement.
Again, thank you for your understanding and support. Unfortunately, these types of events, while completely unacceptable, are becoming far too common. However, we will always do whatever is needed to ensure Bunker Hill schools are the safe and secure environment that our students and staff deserve.
Respectfully yours,
Todd
Todd Dugan, Superintendent