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Mass shooting threat taken seriously

School Superintendent holds press conference

By Eric Cravey Managing Editor
Posted 2/22/18

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Mass shooting threat taken seriously

School Superintendent holds press conference


Posted

OAKLEAF – Some 40 percent of the 2,452 students at Oakleaf High School stayed home today after a Clay County School District student posted a threat of a mass shooting on social media on Wednesday, exactly a week after 17 were killed in a tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Broward County.

Superintendent Addison Davis, flanked by district staff, administrators and law enforcement from Orange Park, Green Cove Springs and the Florida Highway Patrol, reiterated the district’s policy of zero tolerance at a 10-minute press conference outside the high school. He said every threat will be punished to the extent of the district’s code of conduct.

“As a community member, as an educator, as a parent, no student, no teacher, no staff member should experience this tragic act as it is unacceptable for anyone to penetrate the sanctity of a school,” Davis said. “It is essential that I assure that each school workplace be a respectful and safe work environment for all – all students – where students can learn, where teachers can teach and employees can support the robust learning conditions that lead to our emotional and social growth for all of our students.”

He said the Broward County shooting has created a heightened sense of awareness about school safety here in Florida and across the country. With that in mind, Davis said, there may be copycat threats of mass shootings within the schools and on social media.

“The community needs to know that Clay County District Schools is prepared and as it may be frustrating, know that we stand ready and that we stand united. We will take every call seriously. We will take every social post seriously in order to problem solve and create the best and the safest environment for our learners and our employees.”

He said the district staff are in close communication with law enforcement from every available area agency regarding this week’s and any possible future threats.

“We will not tolerate inappropriate behaviors, including idle threats, whether they’re made verbally or whether they’re made in a written fashion that leads to the disruption of the education environment,” Davis said. “Know that this type of behavior will be dealt with immediately and will be addressed with zero tolerance.”

Davis stressed the programs the district has in place in the event a student needs any type of additional counseling not available at school. He said the district has an agreement with Clay Behavioral Health to provide counseling for students in need. Davis offered words of encouragement to those who may have mental health needs.

“Your generation is projected to socially change the world; however, these types of behaviors do not exhibit the maturity and the responsibility of your school and your community and know that you are capable of more. We’re all here to help you,” Davis said.

Focusing his words on the students, Davis urged students to think twice about what they post on social media, “whether it’s a post on Facebook or a five-second video on Snapchat” and the consequences of what is posted.

He also suggested that residents and students should continue to report suspicious activity and posts to appropriate teachers and law enforcement. He also encouraged parents to become involved in their children’s lives now more than ever in the wake of the mass shooting threat.

“Know what social media outlets your child is engaged in. Please monitor your child’s social media presence. You are our biggest advocate in addressing harmful behaviors at home and your child’s interactions with others through the internet,” Davis said.

Despite the press conference the district’s attempt to be proactive in the wake of Wednesday’s shooting, some parents are not convinced enough has been done.

Beatrice and Jeremiah Bredeson are parents of a ninth-grade son at Oakleaf High who stayed home today worried about the shooting threat. However, they came to the press conference to meet Davis and share their concerns.

“At first, we were worried and scared…it could happen anywhere,” Beatrice said.

“What bothers me more than anything is they say that they're working on actively making the school safer, but that’s such a general response. I can say I added one more police officer and I made it safer. Why don’t you give us some information so we can make an informed decision than us just guessing what you’re doing,” Jeremiah said.

He said he is open to backpack searches or metal detectors as a way to make the school safer. Regardless, he is seeking clear information on what safety measures are put in place.

“A show of force is one of the first things you do – me being in the military. When you do a show of force, you de-escalate the situation and if that doesn’t work, you do other things, but why not inform the parents about what steps you’re taking, then you might have had more people show up for school today,” Jeremiah said.

Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels was not at the press conference due to a mandatory accreditation training he had to attend. However, he and his staff have planned a press conference for 1 p.m. today.