Perry County School District 32 Superintendent Dr. Fara Jones released a Sept. 18 statement announcing that two juveniles had been referred to the juvenile court for charges in connection with social media posts regarding threats to commit shootings at district schools last week.
The investigation involved the school district, school resource officers (SROs), Perryville Police Department, and Perry County Sheriff’s Department.
According to Dr. Jones, both juveniles were placed in the custody of the appropriate authorities. She explained that law enforcement officials had determined neither situation constituted a “credible” threat. In neither case did the juveniles appear to plan or indicate an intention to commit a school shooting.
“We want to express our gratitude to the students and adults who reported these posts to the proper authorities — without re-posting them on their own social media and spreading the rumors and fear,” Jones said. “We are grateful to our wonderful local law enforcement agencies and officers who have worked with us all week to track down every tip. We commend our teachers and staff for their ability to adapt to this ever-evolving situation and taking every possible precaution to keep our students safe.
“These social media posts and rumors have taken a toll on all of us. Our students and their parents have experienced fear that no child or family should experience. Our staff has endured incredible stress and uncertainty. Our law enforcement agencies have expended tremendous manpower investigating both posts and associated rumors, as well as providing extra patrols on our campus to help calm our fears.”
Classes were not held on Thursday due to Teacher Collaboration or Friday because of the East Perry Community Fair.
“We hope the break will allow these rumors to die so we can get back to normal next week,” Jones continued. “We want our students in school, where they can learn and grow, and we want them to know they are safe here.
“I again urge every parent to take this opportunity to have conversations with their children about the harm caused by sharing rumors of school violence and the serious legal and academic consequences that students will face if they do so. No joke, no dare, no chance to be social-media famous for a few moments, is worth possibly being charged with a felony or being kicked out of school.”
