3039

Threat Assessment and Response

The board of education is committed to providing a safe environment for members of the school community. Students, staff and patrons are urged to immediately report any statements or behavior that makes the observer fearful or uncomfortable about the safety of the school environment.

1. Definitions

   1. A threat is an expression of willful intent to physically or sexually harm someone or to damage property in a way that indicates that an individual poses a danger to the safety of school staff, students or other members of the school community.

i. The threat may be expressed/communicated behaviorally, orally, visually, in writing, electronically, or through any other means.

ii. A transient threat is an expression of anger or frustration that can be quickly or easily resolved.

iii. A substantive threat is an expression of serious intent to harm others which includes, but is not limited to, any threat which involves a detailed plan and means

1. A threat assessment is a fact-based process emphasizing an appraisal of observed (or reasonably-observable) behaviors to identify potentially dangerous or violent situations, to assessment them and to manage/address them. Threat assessment is the process of distinguishing “transient” threats from serious ones in a systematic, data-informed way.

i. The threat assessment process is distinct from student disciplinary procedures. The mere fact that the district is conducting a threat assessment does not by itself necessitate suspension, expulsion or emergency exclusion without complying with state law and board policy related governing those actions.

ii. The threat assessment process is distinct from specialized instruction which a student with a disability may receive from the school district. The school district will not change a student’s educational placement as that term is used in the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act solely as part of a threat assessment.

2. Obligation to Report Threatening Statements or Behaviors.

All staff and students must report substantive threats to a member of the administration immediately and comply with any other mandatory reporting obligations. Staff and students who are unsure whether a threat is substantive or transient should report the situation. Staff and students must make such report regardless of the nature of the relationship between the individual who initiated the threat or threatening behavior and the person(s) who were threatened or who were the focus of the threatening behavior. Staff and students must also make such reports regardless of where or when the threat was made or the threatening behavior occurred.

THREATS OR ASSAULTS WHICH REQUIRE IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE POLICE AT 911.

3. Threat Assessment Investigation and Response

When a threat is reported, the school administrator shall initiate an initial inquiry/triage and, in consultation with members of the threat assessment team, make a determination of the seriousness of the threat as expeditiously as possible. The school administrator must contact law enforcement if the administrator believes that an individual poses a clear and immediate threat of serious violence.

If there is no reasonably apparent imminent threat present or once such an imminent threat is contained, the threat assessment team will meet to evaluate and respond to the threatening behavior. The superintendent may, but is not required to, review the following types of information:

· Review of the threatening behavior and/or communication;

· Interviews with the individuals involved including students, staff members, and family members as necessary and/or appropriate;

· Review of school and other records for any prior history or interventions with the students involved;

· Any other investigatory methods that the law enforcement unit determines to be reasonable and useful.

· The superintendent must confer with at least on member of the school’s guidance counseling staff as part of his/her investigation. If the threat has been made by, or is directed towards, a student with a disability, the superintendent must confer with a staff member who is knowledgeable about special education services or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, as appropriate.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the superintendent will determine what, if any, response to the threat is appropriate. The superintendent is authorized to disclose the results of his/her investigation to law enforcement and to the target(s) of any threatened acts. The superintendent may refer the individual of concern to the appropriate school administrator for consequences under the school’s student discipline policy or, if appropriate, report the results of his/her investigation to the student’s individualized education plan team.

Regardless of threat assessment activities, disciplinary action and referral to law enforcement will occur consistent with board policy and Nebraska law.

4. Communication with the Public about Reported Threats

To the extent possible, the superintendent will keep members of the school community informed about substantive threats and about the District’s response to those threats. This communication may include oral announcements, written communication sent home with students, and communication through print or broadcast media. However, the superintendent will not reveal the identity of the individual of concern or of any target(s) of threatened violence unless permitted by law.

5. Coordination with the Crisis Team After Resolution of Threat

The superintendent will confer with the district’s crisis team after a threat has been investigated to provide the crisis team with information that the crisis team may use in assessing or revising the district’s All-Hazard School’s Safety Plan.

Adopted on: October 17, 2016

Revised on: August 19, 2019

Revised on: June 15, 2020